India is witnessing a major transformation in its entrepreneurial landscape, with artificial intelligence accelerating the rise of new-age founders and flexible “portfolio careers,” according to a new report released by LinkedIn on May 12. The platform reported a 104 per cent year-on-year rise in members adding “Founder” to their profiles in India, marking the highest growth among global markets.
The report showed that Gen Z entrepreneurs are leading the shift away from traditional career models, with 75 per cent managing multiple income streams compared to 62 per cent of Gen X founders. LinkedIn said AI and digital tools are lowering barriers such as cost, expertise and industry connections, making entrepreneurship more accessible. Around 80 per cent of founders said entrepreneurship is achievable regardless of background, while 81 per cent believe it is easier to start a business today than ever before.
Kumaresh Pattabiraman said India’s entrepreneurial spirit is being reshaped by AI-driven accessibility, enabling professionals to experiment, adapt and build businesses with greater confidence. The report also highlighted the growing importance of networking and personal branding, with 67 per cent of entrepreneurs identifying themselves as content creators.
In Kolkata, startup incubators, digital agencies and freelance-driven businesses are seeing rising demand as young professionals increasingly adopt flexible work models. Industry experts say AI-enabled services, digital marketing, creator-led commerce and small business consulting are emerging as fast-growing sectors in Kolkata’s evolving startup ecosystem.
