A growing share of India’s workforce is showing a strong desire to shift towards self-employment, with new data indicating that technology, skills, and professional networks are making it easier for people to start and scale their own ventures.
LinkedIn’s latest Small Business Work Change India Report reveals that the number of Indian members adding ‘founder’ to their profiles has risen by 104 percent in just one year, reflecting how more than seven in ten professionals now say they want to work independently in the near future.
The report highlights the three biggest drivers behind this shift — the rise of AI, the importance of credibility, and the strength of networks.
How is AI encouraging more professionals to turn entrepreneurs?
According to the report, artificial intelligence is now woven into the daily operations of India’s small businesses. A large majority of small and medium business (SMB) leaders believe AI has made it easier to start and run a company, and most of them are already using it in some capacity. Many SMBs also view AI as central to their business expansion.
To stay competitive, companies are rapidly building skills along with adopting tools. AI literacy has surged within organisations employing between 11 and 200 people, and a vast share of SMBs say they are actively investing in AI capabilities. Nearly all Indian SMBs are either already investing in or preparing to adopt AI, placing them ahead of the global average.
How are skills and credibility shaping this trend?
The report notes that India’s SMBs are approaching growth with considerable ambition. What distinguishes them is their speed of AI adoption, their eagerness to upgrade skills, and the advantage of strong professional networks. These combined factors are changing the way businesses are being built and how they scale.
As the country moves towards 2026, the report says India’s small businesses are not only keeping up with global developments but are also shaping new directions for growth. LinkedIn’s role, as outlined in the report, is to support these businesses by helping them strengthen credibility, hire talent, and access opportunities throughout their growth journey.
Why are professional networks becoming more important?
Globally, a majority of small business owners are handling content creation on their own, while many believe that authenticity online is crucial. With AI-generated content becoming more common, the need for genuine human connection is rising.
This trend is visible in India as well. A large proportion of marketers say that audiences now rely more on real voices—such as customers, employees, partners, and creators—because these sources help people make informed decisions.
The report adds that people skills are becoming increasingly valuable in an AI-driven environment, with many agreeing that relationships serve as vital foundations for insight, opportunity, and long-term resilience.