Millions of people become entrepreneurs, but only a few truly make it.
The road to success is tough, and it takes more than just a good idea. It demands your full commitment, your energy, and even your life force. This journey isn’t easy, and you need to be ready for the challenges ahead.
In this article, we’ll look at how many people choose the path to becoming an entrepreneur and what it really takes to succeed.
Top Entrepreneur Statistics (Editor’s Picks)
We’ve handpicked 42+ of the latest entrepreneur statistics, facts, and trends. Here are 6 that we believe will blow you away.
| 1 | There are 594 million entrepreneurs worldwide |
| 2 | The US is home to 54 million entrepreneurs |
| 3 | India leads with 104 million entrepreneurs |
| 4 | The average successful entrepreneur is around 42 years old |
| 5 | Globally, women own one-third of all businesses |
| 6 | There are about 1,215 billion-dollar startups worldwide |
How Many Entrepreneurs Are There In The World
There are 594 million entrepreneurs worldwide (Markinblog)
Around 594 million people across the globe are engaged in entrepreneurship, making up about 7.4% of the world’s population. This reflects the widespread drive for innovation and business creation today.
305 million startups are created worldwide each year (Earth Web)
Every year, a staggering 305 million startups are launched globally. While not all of them succeed, these new businesses face the challenge of carving their own path, finding their niche, and building a strategy. The United States leads with over 70,000 startups in diverse fields like tech, gaming, blockchain, and AI.
The US is home to 54 million entrepreneurs (Markinblog)
There are about 54 million entrepreneurs in the U.S., which is 32% of the workforce. This shows how important entrepreneurs are to our economy. By supporting them, we can boost innovation and create more growth in the future.
Number of entrepreneurs by country:
| Country | Entrepreneurs (millions) | Adults population (millions) |
| India | 104.2 | 905.71 |
| China | 63.5 | 1,058.60 |
| United States | 53.6 | 279.28 |
| Brazil | 34.0 | 170.07 |
| Indonesia | 14.4 | 177.20 |
| Colombia | 12.9 | 45.89 |
| Mexico | 12.5 | 96.96 |
| Iran | 10.3 | 62.56 |
| United Kingdom | 6.4 | 49.56 |
Entrepreneurs by Region
Canada has 3.5 million entrepreneurs driving its economy (Made In CA)
Canada is home to around 3.5 million entrepreneurs, making a major impact on the nation’s economy. Ontario stands out with the highest concentration, housing 33% of these entrepreneurs.
Nearly 1 in 5 adults in Mexico are entrepreneurs (Mexico Business News)
With an entrepreneurship rate of 18.5%, Mexico has a lot of people starting or managing businesses. About 1 in 5 adults are taking the leap into entrepreneurship, reflecting the country’s strong drive for business creation.
Kazakhstan leads Eastern Europe in entrepreneurial activity at 19.9% (GEM)
Eastern European economies often have higher levels of entrepreneurial activity, with Kazakhstan recording the highest rate at 19.9%.
The UK has the highest rate of new entrepreneurs in Europe (GEM)
The United Kingdom leads major European countries in early-stage entrepreneurial activity, with a TEA rate of 12.9%. This shows that there’s a strong entrepreneurial spirit in the UK, with more people starting new businesses compared to other parts of Europe.
India leads with 104 million entrepreneurs (Markinblog)
India has the highest number of entrepreneurs globally, with around 104 million people, making up about 11.5% of its adult population.
China has over 64 million entrepreneurs (Markinblog)
China follows with over 64 million entrepreneurs, representing about 5% of its adult population.
Africa has the highest rates of entrepreneurship globally (Brookings)
In Africa, more than 1 in 5 working-age adults are starting new businesses, making it the region with the highest rates of entrepreneurship in the world.
Demographics of Entrepreneurs
The average successful entrepreneur is around 42 years old (Business Initiative)
Successful entrepreneurs tend to be around 42 years old, with many thriving ventures started by those in their 40s and 50s. The highest rates of new entrepreneurs are in the 45–54 and 55–64 age groups, while only about 6% are in their 20s. Experience and resources seem to give older individuals an edge in launching new businesses.
Globally, women own one-third of all businesses (Luisa Zhou)
On a global scale, women account for roughly one-third of all business owners. This shows that women are making significant strides in entrepreneurship worldwide.
Women represent 41.5% of U.S. entrepreneurs (Business Initiative)
In the United States, women make up about 41.5% of entrepreneurs, while men account for 58.5%. Despite this, women-owned businesses represent around 42% of all U.S. businesses.
Only 10% of global company founders on Crunchbase are women (Luisa Zhou)
Although women are increasingly starting businesses, they make up only 10% of the global company founders listed on Crunchbase, highlighting the gender gap in high-profile startups.
62% of entrepreneurs hold a bachelor’s degree (Zippia)
Education is a significant factor in entrepreneurship, with about 62% of entrepreneurs having a bachelor’s degree. This suggests that higher education plays a key role in business success.
27% of entrepreneurs have completed a master’s degree (Hubspot)
A growing number of entrepreneurs are pursuing advanced education, with 27% holding a master’s degree. This trend shows the importance of specialized knowledge in today’s business landscape.
15% of entrepreneurs only have a high school diploma (Zippia)
Interestingly, 15% of entrepreneurs have only a high school diploma, proving that while higher education is common, it’s not the only path to starting a successful business.
Successful entrepreneurs typically have an IQ between 120 and 125
The average IQ of successful entrepreneurs usually falls between 120 and 125, indicating above-average cognitive abilities. This suggests that higher intelligence may play a role in entrepreneurial success.
An IQ of 130+ places entrepreneurs in the top 4% of the population
Entrepreneurs with an IQ of 130 or above are in the top 4% of the population, hinting that higher intelligence might correlate with success in business. However, it’s not the only factor that matters.
Types of Entrepreneurs
41.6% of solopreneurs have been in business for less than a year (Bizstack)
A significant influx of new solopreneurs is evident, with about 41.6% having operated their businesses for less than a year. This highlights the growing trend of individuals venturing into solo entrepreneurship.
Around half of all solopreneurs work from home (Bizstack)
About 50% of solopreneurs manage their businesses from home. This shift has been made easier by technology that allows people to run their businesses effectively from remote locations.
29.54% of solopreneurs rely on product sales as their main income source (Bizstack)
For many solopreneurs, product sales are a key revenue stream, with about 29.54% depending on this as their primary source of income. This shows the importance of selling tangible goods in the solopreneur space.
33.2 million small businesses make up 99.9% of U.S. businesses (NAWBO)
In the U.S., there are about 33.2 million small businesses, which make up nearly all (99.9%) of American companies. These small businesses are not just a huge part of the economy—they also provide jobs for over 61.7 million people.
About 70% of small businesses survive beyond two years (Hiveage)
Despite what you might hear, around 70% of small businesses actually make it past the two-year mark. This goes against the common belief that most small businesses fail early on.
Small businesses generate 13 times more patents per employee than large corporations (Hiveage)
Small businesses are powerhouses of innovation, producing 13 times more patents per employee than larger companies. This shows just how vital they are in driving technological advancement.
There are about 1,215 billion-dollar startups worldwide (CB Insights)
Around 1,215 startups across the globe have reached billion-dollar valuations, reflecting the growing trend of high-value ventures that are set on disrupting existing industries and practices.
Healthcare is a dominant sector for small businesses (NAWBO)
The healthcare industry is booming with small startups, driven by the growing demand for health-related services and products. Many small businesses are emerging in this sector, highlighting its importance in the current startup landscape.
10 Facts About Entrepreneurs
70% of entrepreneurs started their businesses for a career or lifestyle change (Hubspot)
A large majority, around 70%, of entrepreneurs launched their businesses to seek a career or lifestyle change, while 45% did so to become their own boss and break free from the traditional 9-5 grind. This reflects a strong desire among entrepreneurs for autonomy and personal fulfillment.
Retail and food sectors are top choices for new entrepreneurs (Hubspot)
The retail and food sectors are the most popular among entrepreneurs, attracting a substantial share of new businesses. These industries offer accessible entry points and consistent demand, making them appealing for those starting their entrepreneurial journey.
63% of entrepreneurs work more than the standard workweek (Team Stage)
Entrepreneurs often put in longer hours, with 63% working beyond the typical workweek. This dedication reflects the demanding nature of running a business and can have significant implications for maintaining work-life balance.
Only 8% of entrepreneurs start their business primarily for money (What To Become)
Surprisingly, just 8% of entrepreneurs say money is their main motivation for starting a business. Most are driven by the desire for independence and following their passion, showing that aligning personal goals with business aspirations is key to long-term satisfaction.
80% of entrepreneurs believe AI will help them grow (Hubspot)
The integration of technology is reshaping entrepreneurship, with 80% of entrepreneurs confident that AI will assist in their growth. Many solopreneurs also value digital platforms that make remote operations and customer interactions easier, showing how essential tech has become for modern business success.
About 20% of entrepreneurs share business ownership with family members (Embroker)
Roughly 20% of entrepreneurs run their businesses with family members, showing how personal support networks play a big role in many entrepreneurial journeys. These family connections often provide crucial emotional and financial support during challenging times.
61% of self-employed people are satisfied with their accomplishments (Freshbooks)
If their careers ended today, 61% of self-employed individuals would be happy with what they’ve achieved. This shows a high level of satisfaction among those who have taken the entrepreneurial path, reflecting their contentment with the journey they’ve undertaken.
Over half of U.S. side hustlers aim to go full-time once earnings hit $50,000-$100,000 (Hubspot)
More than 50% of side hustlers in the U.S. plan to transition to full-time entrepreneurship once they earn between $50,000 and $100,000. This trend reflects growing optimism and ambition among those looking to turn their side ventures into full-fledged businesses.
75% of business owners are happy despite challenges (North One)
Starting a business can be stressful, but nearly 75% of business owners report being very or somewhat happy. Only about 15% feel somewhat or very unhappy, and 10% are neutral. On a scale of one to five, the overall happiness rate is 3.95, showing encouraging news for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Solopreneurs take more time off but are more stressed (Hubspot)
Research indicates that solopreneurs often work fewer hours and enjoy more time off. However, they report higher stress levels, reflecting the pressures of managing a business alone.
Future Trends in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs are embracing low-code and no-code tools (BP-3)
More and more entrepreneurs are turning to low-code and no-code tools to make running their businesses smoother. These tools let them develop and deploy applications faster, which is super handy in today’s fast-paced market where adapting quickly is key. Plus, they’re perfect for keeping up with the digital transformation wave.
Influencer marketing, especially with micro-influencers, is gaining traction (Meltwater)
Influencer marketing is on the rise, particularly with micro-influencers who are great at connecting with niche audiences. This approach helps brands reach targeted groups through relatable content, making the connections feel more authentic. Plus, campaigns driven by influencers often see much higher engagement rates than traditional ads, making this strategy especially appealing for entrepreneurs looking to make a bigger impact.
Personal branding is trending among solopreneurs (Forbes)
Personal branding is becoming a go-to marketing strategy for solopreneurs, especially on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter (X). This trend is all about standing out in crowded markets and building an online presence that really connects with the right audience.
49% of shoppers use subscription services for consistent value (Mckinsey)
Nearly half of shoppers, about 49%, are using subscription services like Stitch Fix, Blue Apron, and Bark Box. These businesses offer products ranging from pet toys to meal kits, and they thrive on the idea that it’s easier to keep existing customers than to find new ones. This model builds steady revenue, strong engagement, and brand loyalty, making it a winning strategy in today’s market.
Mission-driven businesses are gaining traction with younger generations (Forbes)
Green, sustainable, and community-based businesses, often called purpose-driven or mission-based, are increasingly popular, especially with Millennials and Gen Zers. Companies like TOMS, Patagonia, and The Honest Company are leading the way by integrating social and environmental causes into their business models. These businesses show that you can make money while making a difference, and with younger generations soon to dominate the market, this approach is set to influence how companies operate.
Conclusion
Entrepreneurship is tough but rewarding, with millions of people worldwide taking the leap.
There are 594 million entrepreneurs globally, and 31 million in the U.S. alone, showing how important they are for innovation and growth. The fact that the average successful entrepreneur is around 42 years old highlights the value of experience.
Looking to the future, new tools like low-code software and businesses focused on social causes will change the game. As more entrepreneurs use technology and focus on making a difference, the opportunities and challenges in entrepreneurship will continue to grow.
FAQ
What percentage of the world is an entrepreneur?
About 7.4% of the global population, or around 594 million people, are engaged in entrepreneurship.
How many solo entrepreneurs are there?
There are millions of solo entrepreneurs worldwide, with a significant number operating in the U.S., where around 33 million small businesses exist, many run by solo entrepreneurs.
What is the average age of successful entrepreneurs?
The average successful entrepreneur is around 42 years old, showing that experience plays a key role in success.
What percentage of entrepreneurs are women?
Globally, women own about one-third of all businesses, with 41.5% of U.S. entrepreneurs being women.
How many startups are created each year?
Around 305 million startups are launched globally each year, though not all succeed.
What is the survival rate of small businesses?
Approximately 70% of small businesses survive beyond the first two years.
