One-person companies, small-town dreams

AI-powered One-Person Companies (OPCs) are transforming China’s entrepreneurial landscape, enabling individuals to manage complex business operations—from coding to customer service—without traditional staff. While major hubs like Shenzhen and Hangzhou provide strong infrastructure and government incentives, rising living costs and fierce competition are pushing solo founders toward smaller county towns. These regions are increasingly competitive, offering subsidies, rent-free facilities, and direct access to specialized local industries, such as agricultural data labeling in Shouguang. However, this shift presents significant hurdles, including a lack of local digital talent, limited AI literacy, and challenges in accessing capital. Despite these obstacles, the trend mirrors a global movement toward non-employer businesses, signaling a fundamental change in how startups scale and operate in the digital age.