What is a solopreneur?
What a solopreneur is, how it differs from a freelancer and an entrepreneur, real examples, pros and cons, and how to become one.
A solopreneur is someone who starts and runs a business on their own, without employees. The word blends "solo" and "entrepreneur". Solopreneurs may use contractors, tools and automation, but they own the business and make the decisions alone.
Examples
- A consultant selling strategy projects to mid-size companies.
- A designer selling templates and taking a few custom projects.
- A developer running a small subscription software product.
- A newsletter writer earning from sponsors.
Solopreneur vs freelancer vs entrepreneur
| Solopreneur | Freelancer | Entrepreneur | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | None, by choice | None | Usually builds one |
| Sells | Services, products, media | Time and skills to clients | A scalable company |
| Goal | A profitable, independent business | Steady client work | Growth, often funding or an exit |
More: solopreneur vs entrepreneur.
Pros
- Full control over what you work on and when.
- Low overhead, so less revenue is needed to be profitable.
- Every improvement benefits you directly.
Cons
- Income stops when you stop, unless you build products or systems.
- You handle sales, delivery, admin and taxes yourself.
- It can be lonely. See communities.
Legal status
In the U.S., a solopreneur is a sole proprietor by default or can form a single-member LLC. "Solopreneur" isn't a legal category.
Other languages: solopreneur meaning in Hindi, Vietnamese, Turkish and Spanish.
Everything in Getting started
- Solopreneur coaching: how to choose
- Best solopreneur communities
- Best courses for solopreneurs
- Successful solopreneur examples
- Justin Welsh and The Saturday Solopreneur
- The richest and most successful solopreneurs
- How to become a solopreneur
- The one-person business
- How to run a one-person business with AI
- One-person business ideas
- Solopreneur burnout: signs and fixes
- Best books for solopreneurs
- Best newsletters for solopreneurs
- Best solopreneur podcasts
- Testing Business Ideas: book summary and how to use it
- Solopreneur vs entrepreneur
- Solopreneur vs freelancer
- Solopreneur vs small business owner
- Solopreneur vs sole proprietorship vs LLC
- Solopreneurship: the complete guide
- Solopreneur meaning in other languages
Frequently asked questions
Is solopreneur a real word?
It's an informal blend of 'solo' and 'entrepreneur' in common business use, not a legal term.
Can a solopreneur hire contractors?
Yes. Solopreneurs often use contractors while remaining the only owner and having no employees.
Update history
- : first published; figures checked against the sources listed.