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INTERVIEW: Freelancers surge as AI grows in popularity

Matthieu Rouif said: "As AI becomes more intuitive and accessible, entrepreneurs will be able to move faster, experiment more, and scale smarter."

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INTERVIEW: Freelancers surge as AI grows in popularity
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Matthieu Rouif (pictured), CEO and co-founder of Photoroom, discusses the surge in aspiring freelancers and the growing popularity of digital tools, sharing how artificial intelligence (AI) platforms are becoming essential allies for entrepreneurs in today’s evolving workplace.

What do you see as the main reasons so many UK employees are considering going freelance now?

Flexibility is at the heart of it. After the pandemic, many workers reassessed what they value and rigid structures, long commutes, and lack of autonomy no longer make sense to a lot of people. With nearly one in four UK employees now considering freelance work, it’s clear that people want more control over their time and careers. 

Self-employment offers a direct path to that freedom. Besides flexibility and independence, technology also makes this easier than ever, enabling seamless remote work and collaboration. 

We are also seeing a clear globalisation of talent, with many companies now tapping into diverse skills and expertise from across the world.

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How have tools like ChatGPT, Monday.com, and Photoroom made it easier to start a business alone?

These tools have effectively given solo entrepreneurs the power of a full team. ChatGPT can handle everything from writing proposals to customer service scripts. Monday.com helps people stay organised and scale projects without needing a manager. 

Photoroom makes it possible to create professional, on-brand images in a matter of minutes, with no design background needed. Together, they eliminate many of the traditional barriers to launching and running a business.

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What’s your top advice for building a strong online presence as a new entrepreneur?

Start simple, stay consistent, and focus on clarity. Platforms like LinkedIn are incredibly powerful for freelancers and entrepreneurs. You can build credibility, share your work, and attract clients all from one profile. 

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Additionally, you can use visuals that match your brand, keep your messaging authentic, and regularly show up to share what you’re working on.

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Why are strong visuals so important for small businesses today, and how does Photoroom help?

In a feed-first, scroll-fast world, visuals are your first impression. Whether you’re selling a product or marketing yourself as a consultant, high-quality images build trust and attention instantly. 

Posts with visuals get up to 94% more views than those without visuals. Photoroom gives entrepreneurs a simple way to create clean, consistent, professional-looking content without hiring a designer or learning complex software. That kind of speed and quality is a game-changer for small businesses.

How are people’s ideas of career success changing, in your view?

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Career success is becoming more personal. For many people now, it’s not about titles or offices, it’s about freedom, impact, and enjoying the work. Being able to set your schedule, build something of your own, or work with clients you care about is becoming just as valuable, if not more, than climbing a traditional corporate ladder. 

Technology is playing a key role in this change: entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly accessible. For example, you can ask ChatGPT for legal advice or create all your company’s visuals on Photoroom.

What are the biggest challenges solo entrepreneurs face, and how can technology help?

Isolation, lack of structure, and limited resources are common challenges. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re doing everything yourself. Entrepreneurs often juggle many different areas – tech, marketing, HR, legal – and can’t be expected to have the necessary skills or time to handle them all. 

This makes it even more important to focus on what they do best: their core expertise or speciality. But technology is closing that gap. With the right digital tools, you can automate, delegate, and organise almost every aspect of your business – from task management to branding – allowing you to focus on what really matters: delivering value.

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How do you see AI and digital platforms shaping the future of work and entrepreneurship?

AI and digital platforms are levelling the playing field. They’re making it possible for anyone with a laptop, smartphone, and a good idea to launch a global business. We’re going to see a lot more one-person brands, micro-agencies, and niche consultancies built entirely online. 

As AI becomes more intuitive and accessible, entrepreneurs will be able to move faster, experiment more, and scale smarter.

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