Summary of the Key Points
This news article discusses a roundtable conversation centered on "OPCs" (One-Person Companies) that have emerged in the AI era, focusing on several key issues: the fundamental differences between OPCs and traditional individual businesses (with a focus on AI-driven models), how AI can serve as a "super assistant" for OPCs, the commercialization challenges faced by these companies, whether they are worth investing in, and what kind of support the industry needs. Three entrepreneurs shared their practical experiences and insights regarding OPCs, acknowledging both the advantages of AI in lowering the barriers to entrepreneurship and the difficulties associated with commercialization and supporting services.
1. OPCs Are Not "Individual Businesses 2.0"; The Core is "AI-Driven"
Many people mistakenly think that an OPC is just a small business operated by one person, but it's actually quite different from traditional individual businesses. OPCs rely entirely on AI to function effectively.
For example, Li Chun (the founder of Jiu Jian Technology) initially struggled alone with front-end development, back-end coding, and design in 2012, working tirelessly with low efficiency. Now, by using AI tools that cost just over 1,000 yuan per month (equivalent to the salary of a junior engineer), he can have AI write code for him, manage his social media accounts (such as REDnote), and collect customer information, handling tasks that previously required a team of several people.
Sun Zhuojian (the founder of Entropy Increase Force Field) added that OPCs also need an "AI operation system" – this includes defining clear goals (strategy) and methods of execution (tactics). After using AI to complete tasks, it's essential to quickly adjust and optimize based on the results. Without such a system, it would be difficult for an OPC to thrive in a niche market even with the help of AI.
2. AI as a "Super Employee," but the Difference Lies in How People Use It
AI tools are now accessible to everyone (such as ChatGPT and AI-based drawing tools). Just as in the past, only a few people had advanced resources; today, everyone has them. However, not everyone can become an OPC. The key lies in how well one utilizes AI. For instance, while AI can handle basic, repetitive tasks (like coding or creating initial drafts of animations), humans are responsible for aspects like aesthetics and making final decisions. Those with creative talent or technical skills can maximize the value of AI; those who merely use AI to follow templates will lack competitiveness.
AI also solves the problem of slow-moving teams. In the past, poor business performance could be blamed on employees, but with AI as a "top-tier employee," there are no excuses left – if you don't make money, it's because you haven't used AI effectively or haven't identified the right needs.
3. Creating Products is Easy for OPCs; Selling Them is the Real Challenge
AI has lowered the barriers to product development (for example, creating a mini-program or an educational tool with AI is quick), but selling the products and generating revenue is the real challenge.
Sun Zhuojian gave an example: A friend of his created a high-quality product using AI, but it couldn't be sold. In contrast, another person used WeChat groups for private transactions, which didn't require complex technology and resulted in stable business growth. This suggests that OPCs should reverse their approach: first identify customers and validate their needs, then quickly develop products using AI, rather than developing products first and trying to sell them later.
Another issue is severe homogenization – since everyone uses AI to create similar products, how can you stand out? Building a personal brand (e.g., being recognized as an "AI education tool expert" or having a unique aesthetic) is crucial to attract customers.
Lü Shifeng also mentioned that in the future, platforms like 1688 might emerge to connect OPC services (such as design and technology) with demanders, but only if OPCs can deliver consistently and have a good reputation.
4. Are OPCs Worth Investing In? Mostly Not
From an investor's perspective, would they invest in an OPC with 1 billion yuan in funds? The three guests generally agreed that this is unlikely, unless there are special circumstances.
Lü Shifeng pointed out that investment decisions depend on two factors: either the founder is a top talent (like Li Feifei) or the business can scale significantly (for example, growing from one person to 100 people with exponential revenue growth). If an OPC earns 1 million yuan per month but can only maintain that level, the return for investors would be low compared to companies with potential for rapid expansion.
Sun Zhuojian was even more direct: An OPC doesn't really need funding; one person can earn 1 million yuan on their own. Where would the money from financing go? There's no need to hire more staff or buy equipment, and financing might even change the company's original goals (e.g., forcing expansion). The advantage of an OPC is that it doesn't rely on funding or going public, so institutional investors are less likely to invest.
5. What Support Does an OPC Need?
The biggest challenges for OPCs are dealing with non-core tasks (such as business registration, tax filings, and legal compliance) that take up a lot of time and energy that could be used on product development. Sun Zhuojian suggested that industrial parks could provide one-stop services (including finance, taxation, and legal support) to allow OPCs to focus solely on their business.
Another issue is trust – large companies are hesitant to cooperate with OPCs due to concerns about them disappearing without a stable company structure. Standardized cooperation processes (such as signing formal contracts and using third-party guarantees) are needed to build trust.
OPCs also need channels to showcase their capabilities, such as attending offline events or participating in hackathons, which can demonstrate their practical skills more effectively than marketing rhetoric.
Conclusion
OPCs represent a new phenomenon of the AI era, enabling ordinary people to start businesses at low costs. However, success requires leveraging AI effectively, identifying the right market needs, and overcoming commercialization challenges. In the future, OPCs could become a common form of business organization – either as independent one-person companies or as small units within larger enterprises, offering flexibility and efficiency. But to succeed, you must have the skills to make the most of AI tools.