In Hangzhou, China, Wu Songyun, 35, made a significant life change after facing severe stress while working in international trade in Chengdu, characterized by demanding hours and an exacting boss. This relentless pressure led to frequent sleepless nights. In 2024, Wu decided to leave her job and developed TideFlow, an app designed to help users monitor their sleep patterns, practice meditation, and receive tailored advice for improving their rest.
"The stress from work was simply too much," Wu reflected. "Now, I feel much better."
Despite her aspirations, Wu's app launched into a highly competitive landscape in China has not gained much traction, currently boasting around 1,000 users, with only about 35 subscribing to the paid version. As a result, her business is operating at a loss each month.
Wu is part of a growing trend among young Chinese entrepreneurs who are establishing single-person startups. This movement aims to break free from the conventional career path and tap into new opportunities amid a challenging job market. Many of these founders rely on artificial intelligence to manage coding, customer interaction, and product promotion. In 2023 alone, over seven million new one-person enterprises were launched in China, marking a 42% increase compared to the previous year, as reported by state media.
