India is witnessing a sharp rise in entrepreneurship as artificial intelligence and digital tools reshape the country’s work culture, according to new data released by LinkedIn on May 12. The report showed a 104 per cent year-on-year increase in members adding “Founder” to their LinkedIn profiles in India, the highest growth recorded globally. The study highlighted how younger professionals are moving away from traditional career paths and embracing “portfolio careers” with multiple income streams. Around 75 per cent of Gen Z entrepreneurs in India said they have more than one source of income, compared to 62 per cent of Gen X entrepreneurs. The report added that 80 per cent of founders believe entrepreneurship is now accessible regardless of background, while 81 per cent said starting a business is more achievable today than ever before due to AI-powered tools.
LinkedIn India Country Manager Kumaresh Pattabiraman said AI is lowering barriers that once made entrepreneurship difficult and is enabling a new generation of founders to experiment and build businesses with greater confidence. The report also found that networking and personal branding are becoming increasingly important for growth, with 80 per cent of entrepreneurs saying professional networks helped them start or scale their businesses. Nearly 67 per cent of entrepreneurs identified themselves as content creators.
In Kolkata, startup consultants and digital marketing firms in the city are witnessing growing demand from freelancers, creators, and first-time entrepreneurs looking to build online businesses using AI tools. Industry observers say sectors such as edtech, digital services, retail branding, and creator-led commerce are seeing increased activity as younger professionals in Kolkata increasingly adopt flexible and independent career models.