The Rise of Solopreneurs in India: One-Person Companies Are No Longer Side Hustles

The landscape of entrepreneurship in India has seen a paradigm shift in recent years. Solopreneurs—individuals running their own businesses with little to no external employees—are no longer relegated to the realm of side hustles. Today, freelancers, creators, and consultants are increasingly turning their passion projects into full-time businesses, tapping into new economic opportunities that allow for scalability, flexibility, and independence.

Solopreneurship: A New Age of Business
Solopreneurship is now one of India’s most vibrant sectors. According to a recent report by the NASSCOM, the gig economy in India was valued at over ₹2 trillion in 2023, with a significant portion of this growth coming from individuals running one-person businesses. Freelancers, digital creators, and consultants are no longer dabbling in side hustles but are embracing the freedom and potential of entrepreneurship.
The concept of solopreneurship has evolved from being a hobby or part-time job into a full-fledged business model. “The flexibility, control over projects, and potential for global reach have attracted thousands of individuals to jump into entrepreneurship on their own terms,” says Raghav Mehta, an entrepreneur and digital marketing consultant based in Bangalore.
Key Takeaways:
• India’s solopreneur community is growing rapidly, with freelancers, creators, and consultants moving from part-time to full-time business owners.
• In 2023, the Indian gig economy accounted for over ₹2 trillion in revenue, with solopreneurs contributing a large portion.
• Solopreneurs are increasingly utilizing digital platforms to reach global audiences, breaking traditional business models.
• Government policies and digital tools are enabling solo entrepreneurs to scale their businesses without heavy overheads.

Case Study: From Freelancer to Full-Time Consultant
Take the example of Ananya Gupta, a digital content creator and social media consultant, who started her journey as a side project. Initially managing just a few clients while working a 9-to-5 job, Ananya transitioned to being a full-time consultant in 2020 after realizing the growing demand for her services. She now runs a one-person business, serving clients globally, and has expanded into training and mentorship.
“I was juggling two jobs for a while, but when the demand for my social media expertise grew, I decided to go all-in. Now, I’m not just a consultant; I’m a brand in my own right,” Ananya shares.
Her story reflects the increasing number of individuals in India who are building businesses out of skill sets like graphic design, video editing, writing, coaching, and consultancy. Many solopreneurs, like Ananya, are leveraging platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn to grow their reach and find clients beyond borders.
The Role of Technology and Digital Platforms
The rise of digital tools has significantly empowered solopreneurs in India. Platforms like Shopify, WordPress, and Wix allow individuals to create professional websites and e-commerce stores without needing deep technical skills. Tools like Zoom and Google Workspace enable seamless communication and collaboration with clients worldwide, making it easier than ever to run a business remotely.
The use of social media as a marketing tool is another key driver behind the rise of solopreneurs. Influencers, bloggers, YouTubers, and podcasters are monetizing their content and creating profitable personal brands. In fact, the number of content creators in India has seen a steep rise, with over 50 million Indians actively creating digital content, according to the Indian Social Media Report.
“The barriers to entry have never been lower. With a smartphone and internet connection, I can reach millions,” says Rajeev Kumar, a digital creator and YouTuber who has over 2 million subscribers on his channel.
Shifting Attitudes Toward Risk and Stability
The traditional notion of a secure job with steady income is gradually shifting. In a country where the majority of the workforce traditionally sought salaried positions with benefits, more and more young Indians are choosing to build their own companies, even if it means sacrificing the perceived security of a corporate job.
A 2023 survey conducted by LinkedIn revealed that nearly 40% of millennials and Gen Z in India are opting to work as freelancers or solopreneurs, compared to 25% five years ago. While challenges like inconsistent income and lack of benefits remain, many solopreneurs find the trade-off worthwhile for the freedom and autonomy it offers.
“Solopreneurship is about passion, but it’s also about taking control of your career. It’s no longer just about freelancing; it’s about building something of your own, growing it, and managing every aspect,” says Shreya Patel, a career coach who transitioned from corporate life to become a full-time consultant.
Government Support and Changing Regulations
Government initiatives have also played a significant role in encouraging solopreneurship. The Startup India program, launched in 2016, offers tax breaks, access to funding, and various incentives for small businesses and solopreneurs. Moreover, financial institutions are increasingly providing loans and credit options tailored for one-person businesses, making it easier for solopreneurs to manage working capital.
Additionally, the rise of digital lending platforms has opened up new avenues for funding. These platforms, such as Lendingkart and Indifi, provide quick and hassle-free loans to solopreneurs, ensuring that they can access the financial support they need to scale their ventures.
The Future of Solopreneurship in India
The solopreneurship ecosystem in India is expected to continue its upward trajectory. With the rise of e-commerce, the expansion of online learning, and the growing number of digital platforms, more individuals are likely to take the plunge into full-time entrepreneurship. The future also points to increased collaboration between solopreneurs and larger organizations, as businesses recognize the expertise and agility that solo entrepreneurs bring to the table.
As the digital landscape evolves and the Indian economy continues to embrace technology, the potential for solopreneurs to thrive and scale their businesses will only expand. India’s evolving workforce, coupled with the right policies and digital tools, will likely see the next generation of entrepreneurs moving toward solopreneurship as a primary career path, breaking away from traditional business models.

Sources:
• NASSCOM, “The State of the Indian Gig Economy 2023”
• LinkedIn Workforce Survey 2023
• Indian Social Media Report 2023
• Government of India, Startup India Program