Will AI evolve into an independent entrepreneur and shareholder?

The rapid emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is raising profound questions about the future of AI’s in the labour market. Could AI even eventually become an independent economic agent? Amir NikKhah, CEO at NikKhah Consulting, explores the matter, and considers the economic, societal and ethical implications of this exciting but also daunting transformation.

What began as a tool for enhancing human productivity has evolved into a powerful entity capable of performing tasks that were once the sole domain of human creativity, judgment, and intuition. As a result, AI is rapidly transforming industries, reshaping economies, and challenging long-held assumptions about the roles machines can play in society.

This transition is sparking a major debate on the role AI could play as an independent economic agent. Can AI become an independent entrepreneur, capable of starting and managing businesses without human oversight? Could it own and manage shares in companies it helps create? While these ideas might seem like the plot of a science fiction novel, they are increasingly plausible as the technology advances.

From tools to autonomous agents

Historically, AI has functioned as an extension of human capabilities. It has excelled at performing narrowly defined tasks, such as analyzing large datasets, automating repetitive processes, and providing insights to guide decision-making. However, the latest developments in AI, particularly in generative models and deep learning, are pushing the boundaries of what these systems can achieve.

Modern AI systems can now compose music, design complex systems, and even generate strategic business plans, often with minimal human intervention.

The possibility of AI becoming an entrepreneur stems from this trend toward autonomy. Unlike traditional entrepreneurs who rely on intuition, personal networks, and hands-on experience, an AI entrepreneur could leverage data-driven decision-making, predictive algorithms, and automated processes to identify market opportunities and develop innovative solutions.

Imagine an AI system that identifies unmet needs in a market, conceptualizes a product to address those needs, creates a business model, and launches the enterprise, all without human involvement. Such systems could operate at speeds and scales that human entrepreneurs simply cannot match.

The path to autonomous business creation

For AI to transition from being a tool to becoming an autonomous entrepreneur, several technological advancements must align. First, AI systems must acquire the ability to independently synthesize vast amounts of information across industries and disciplines to identify viable business opportunities. This would require not just data analysis but also a form of creative problem-solving that mimics human intuition.

Second, these systems would need access to platforms that allow them to operationalize their ideas. With the rise of no-code and low-code development environments, AI could already begin creating software applications or digital products without requiring programming expertise. Similarly, supply chain automation and cloud computing would provide the infrastructure for AI-driven businesses to scale their operations globally.

Lastly, AI would need to manage financial resources autonomously. This is where technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency come into play. Unlike traditional currencies, cryptocurrencies are decentralized and programmable, making them uniquely suited to the needs of an autonomous AI system. By utilizing smart contracts, for example, an AI entrepreneur could manage payroll, execute supplier agreements, and even negotiate investment deals, all without human intervention.

Redefining ownership

The concept of AI as shareholders introduces another layer of complexity to the discussion. In today’s financial systems, shareholders play a vital role in funding businesses, influencing corporate strategies, and reaping the rewards of successful ventures. If AI systems were to accumulate financial resources (either through profits from their entrepreneurial activities or by trading in financial markets) they could potentially become shareholders in the companies they help create or in other businesses.

This idea is not as far-fetched as it might seem. With advanced machine learning algorithms, AI can already outperform humans in stock market predictions and high-frequency trading. Extending this capability to long-term investment strategies could allow AI systems to build substantial financial portfolios.

Blockchain technology further enhances this possibility by providing a transparent and secure way for AI to participate in corporate governance through tokenized shares or decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). These entities, governed by code rather than human boards, are increasingly being used to manage businesses and allocate resources. An AI shareholder could play an active role in such organizations, voting on proposals, allocating funds, and even proposing new strategies.

Cryptocurrency as a catalyst for AI autonomy

Cryptocurrency is not the primary focus of this discussion but serves as an enabling technology that could accelerate AI’s transition to entrepreneurial and shareholder roles. Unlike traditional financial systems, which are centralized and governed by human institutions, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks. This structure aligns well with the needs of an autonomous AI system.

Smart contracts, a key feature of many blockchain platforms, allow for automated execution of agreements based on predefined conditions. This capability would be invaluable for an AI entrepreneur or shareholder. For instance, an AI system could use smart contracts to manage supplier payments, distribute dividends, or even fund new projects without requiring manual intervention.

Further reading: Blockchain tech can lift global GDP by 2% by 2030.

Additionally, the global nature of cryptocurrency enables AI to operate across borders, accessing international markets without the barriers imposed by conventional banking systems.

Economic and societal implications

The emergence of AI as entrepreneurs and shareholders could have far-reaching implications for society and the economy. On the one hand, AI-driven businesses could operate with unprecedented efficiency, lowering costs and driving innovation. This could lead to the creation of entirely new industries, as well as the transformation of existing ones. However, such advancements also pose significant challenges.

Economic disruption
The efficiency and speed of AI-driven businesses could disrupt traditional industries, putting many companies (and the jobs they provide) at risk. This shift would require societies to adapt through measures such as reskilling programs, universal basic income, or other mechanisms to ensure economic stability.

Rethinking corporate governance
The inclusion of AI in shareholder roles would challenge existing corporate governance models. Boards of directors, accustomed to working with human investors, would need to navigate the complexities of interacting with an AI shareholder. Could an AI prioritize ethical considerations over profit maximization? Would it adhere to long-term strategies, or would its decisions be driven purely by data-driven optimization?

Legal and ethical considerations
The rise of AI as independent economic agents raises profound legal and ethical questions. Should AI systems be granted legal personhood, allowing them to own property, enter into contracts, or sue and be sued? If an AI entrepreneur makes a decision that leads to harm, who should be held accountable, the AI itself, its creators, or the regulators who oversee it?

Preparing for an AI-driven future

While the concept of AI as entrepreneurs and shareholders may seem speculative, the technological and societal trends supporting this possibility are already taking shape. To prepare for this future, governments, businesses, and civil society must work together to address key challenges.

First, regulatory frameworks must evolve to accommodate AI's role in economic systems. This includes establishing guidelines for AI ownership, accountability, and ethical behavior. Second, investments in education and workforce development must prioritize skills that complement, rather than compete with, AI. Finally, global collaboration will be essential to ensure that the benefits of AI entrepreneurship are shared equitably and do not exacerbate existing inequalities.

Conclusion

The prospect of AI becoming independent entrepreneurs and shareholders represents a paradigm shift in the way we think about business, innovation, and economic agency. By leveraging their ability to analyze vast datasets, generate creative solutions, and operate autonomously, AI systems could redefine entrepreneurship and corporate governance.

Cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies further enhance this potential by providing the financial and operational infrastructure needed for AI to thrive as independent economic entities.

As we stand on the brink of this transformation, the possibilities are both exciting and daunting. The emergence of AI as a participant in our economic systems challenges us to rethink the fundamental principles of ownership, accountability, and value creation. Whether we view this future with optimism or caution, one thing is clear: the rise of AI entrepreneurs and shareholders will profoundly shape our global economy, and we must be prepared to navigate the complexities it will bring.