Report shows strong hiring plans, AI investment and looming wealth transfers among founders
Entrepreneurs around the world have begun 2026 with a surprisingly upbeat outlook, expanding their workforces, exploring new markets and increasingly investing in artificial intelligence to sharpen operations.
The new UBS 2026 Global Entrepreneur Report, based on a survey of 215 business owners across 26 markets whose companies collectively generate $34.3 billion in annual revenue, finds most founders remain confident despite persistent geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.
“Entrepreneurs are entering this year with remarkable resilience and a renewed sense of ambition,” said Benjamin Cavalli, head of strategic clients and global connectivity at UBS Global Wealth Management. “Despite persistent geopolitical uncertainty, nearly seven in ten remain optimistic about the year ahead, driven by strong customer demand and rapid advances in technology.”
That confidence is translating into expansion plans that could shape investment opportunities across several sectors — particularly technology, healthcare and consumer businesses.
Growth mindset fuels hiring and expansion
Roughly 68% of entrepreneurs say they feel optimistic about their businesses over the next 12 months, with rising customer demand cited by 64% as the biggest driver. Advances in technology and innovation and favorable economic conditions were also frequently mentioned as supporting factors.
Just over half of respondents intend to expand their workforce in the coming year, while 80% say they expect headcount to rise over the next five years. Technology and healthcare firms, along with finance and real estate companies, are among the most likely to add staff.
At the same time, entrepreneurs are increasingly thinking globally. About 45% say they are considering relocating or expanding their businesses to new countries or regions, primarily to reach new customers or position themselves closer to suppliers and partners.
For investors and advisors, that geographic mobility could signal shifting centers of growth, particularly in industries where cross-border expansion is accelerating.
Political risk remains top concern
Despite the optimism, entrepreneurs remain alert to macroeconomic and geopolitical risks.
Political instability ranks as the biggest concern both in the coming year and over the next five years, followed by potential trade policy changes, recession risks and the threat of geopolitical conflict.
Those worries are prompting many business leaders to strengthen their operating models. Two-thirds say they are focused on improving efficiency and controlling costs, while 60% are working to diversify their customer bases and markets to reduce exposure to regional disruptions.
Artificial intelligence stands out as the technology entrepreneurs expect to deliver the greatest business impact.
More than 60% say AI presents the most compelling commercial opportunity among emerging technologies. Yet for most companies, the immediate value lies in operational improvements rather than new revenue streams.
Nearly two-thirds expect AI to boost efficiency and automation over the next five years, while more than half anticipate better data analysis and improved margins from cost reductions.
“Right now, companies are prioritizing the low-complexity AI use cases that boost operational efficiency, speed and data analytics,” said Delwin Kurnia Limas, equity strategist at UBS. “The real value creation will emerge in the next phase, when AI becomes a catalyst that reshapes product innovation and hyper-personalized customer engagement.”
Still, adoption challenges remain. Nearly half of respondents say they struggle to find workers with the technical expertise needed to deploy AI, and many acknowledge they lack a clear understanding of how to integrate the technology into their businesses.
For advisors, the next wealth wave
Beyond business growth, the report highlights a looming transition that could reshape the wealth management industry.
About 32% of entrepreneurs say they are considering stepping back from their companies within five years, with the figure rising sharply among founders age 65 and older.
Most expect to sell to a strategic buyer, while others plan to pass their companies to family members or private investors.
Notably, nearly one-third of respondents say they have not accumulated as much personal wealth outside their businesses as they could have, often because they prioritized reinvesting in growth.
As a result, many founders plan to shift their focus toward personal wealth management once they exit. That transition could open the door to a substantial wave of new assets and planning needs — including tax-efficient wealth transfers, succession strategies and preparation of the next generation.
“There seems to be a high level of awareness regarding the importance of wealth transition, which is understandable as the moment of transition is coming closer for many entrepreneurs,” said Oliver Herrmann, family advisor at UBS.
In other words, the next stage of entrepreneurial success may not be building companies — but planning what happens after the exit.
