China is witnessing a rapid surge in one-person companies, a trend driven largely by the adoption of AI agents. Kuo Zhang, president of Alibaba.com, estimates that 30% to 40% of the platform's customers are now solo entrepreneurs who rely on artificial intelligence to manage their entire business operations without hiring staff. These one-person companies, or OPCs, utilize tools such as AI agents and no-code programming to handle tasks like product uploads, social media management, and customer service, which were traditionally barriers for small businesses. To support this shift, Alibaba.com recently launched Accio Work, a specialized AI agent designed to assist small businesses and solo founders. Accio handles daily e-commerce responsibilities including tax compliance, marketing, logistics, and customer support. The platform's main AI agent has already attracted 10 million monthly active users since its launch in late 2024. Zhang emphasizes that these agents act as essential employees for solo founders, filling gaps in expertise and operational support. He noted that while technology changes daily, the most important factor for small and medium-sized businesses is practical utility rather than abstract technical concepts. This growth is further fueled by the popularity of OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent that has sparked a "gold rush" in China. The tool has enabled users to build businesses ranging from stock trading to dating services. In response to this demand, Alibaba introduced JVS Claw, a mobile application to simplify the installation and deployment of OpenClaw. While Zhang acknowledges that OpenClaw has helped educate the market about AI agents, he also pointed out significant challenges in the global market, particularly in the United States. He observed that American users are less familiar with open-source tools and that some users struggle with security concerns and a lack of return on investment, with some spending hundreds of dollars on tokens without seeing results. He advocates for tools that are secure, user-friendly, and easy to adopt. Geographically, the trend is supported by local governments in China offering incentives such as free housing, rent-free offices, and subsidies up to $720,000 to attract these startups. However, Alibaba.com faces external challenges beyond technology, specifically navigating the complex and shifting landscape of international tariff policies. Zhang, who has served as president since 2017, advises businesses to focus on supply and demand dynamics and technological adaptation while strictly adhering to regulations. He dismisses political fluctuations as noise, urging companies to prioritize serving customer needs through technology. The company continues to expand its customer base in the US, Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, aiming to leverage AI to help small businesses thrive despite global economic uncertainties.