According to a report by ZH based on a March 2nd news report from China Daily.
Across China’s leading tech hubs, a new business model is rapidly taking shape: one-person companies (OPCs) powered by artificial intelligence. These nimble enterprises leverage AI as a virtual team, allowing individual entrepreneurs to launch, manage, and scale businesses with unprecedented efficiency.
According to the Zhongguancun Talent Association in Beijing, cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have become the preferred destinations for OPCs, thanks to a combination of government support, abundant talent, and AI-friendly ecosystems. Local science and technology parks are emerging as incubators for this trend, offering access to mentorship, resources, and advanced AI tools.
At the ZGC AI North Latitude Hub in Beijing’s Haidian district, entrepreneurs can tap into a cluster of services for AI-driven ventures. Dong Bo, president of the incubator operator Kr Star Innovation, describes the hub as an “integrated ecosystem” where AI companies, developers, and media platforms collaborate to accelerate innovation. The hub currently hosts 20 OPCs, most founded by graduates from domestic and international universities or technology firms.
One notable example is Wu Zhen, 44, who launched an intelligent virtual performance platform. Initially developed as a digital stage solution during the pandemic, the platform now supports a wide array of applications, from educational courses and motion capture to AI-generated films and virtual idols.
Wu relies on AI to handle tasks ranging from copywriting and content creation to software development and video production. “In the AI era, the scarce assets are judgment, aesthetic sensibility, and long-term narrative vision,” he said. “OPCs aren’t just a temporary phenomenon—they could remain a key organizational model for years to come.”
The scale of this movement is striking. As of June 2025, China had more than 16 million one-person limited liability companies, primarily in the digital economy and service sectors. Newly registered OPCs surged 47 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025 alone, reaching 2.86 million. Many of these ventures are using AI “digital humans” to cut labor costs by up to 70 percent and boost sales by as much as 300 percent.
However, challenges remain. Many OPCs, including Wu’s, struggle with building consistent revenue streams and stable client pipelines. Experts suggest government measures such as open competitions for targeted projects, shared data access, and subsidized computing resources could help address these constraints.
Cities like Shenzhen are already taking steps to support OPCs. In January, the local government issued vouchers to reduce startup costs and provided support for office space and accommodation, making it easier for solo entrepreneurs to thrive.
With AI reducing operational barriers and enabling rapid innovation, China’s one-person companies are proving that small teams—or even a single entrepreneur—can compete on a global scale, signaling a shift in the future of work and entrepreneurship.