- UBS has released its first-ever Global Entrepreneur Report, based on a survey of 156 entrepreneurs who are clients and members of the UBS network, spanning a diverse range of businesses with a total annual revenue of approximately USD 19.1 billion.
- The report highlights entrepreneurs’ expectations regarding future investments, hiring plans, and artificial intelligence, along with their key concerns and perspectives on the outlook of their industries.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 11, 2025 – UBS today published its first Global Entrepreneur Report, based on a survey of 156 entrepreneurs who are clients and members of the UBS network, representing a wide range of economic sectors, with a total annual revenue of approximately USD 19.1 billion, averaging USD 123 million per company.
Entrepreneurs from 26 markets participated in the survey electronically between September 26 and November 30, 2024. These results were further supported by in-depth short interviews covering key topics such as artificial intelligence, private wealth management, and hiring plans.
Commenting on the report, Benjamin Cavalli, Head of Strategic Clients at UBS Global Wealth Management, emphasized the importance of exploring the thoughts, preparations, and expectations of some of the world’s most prominent entrepreneurs, especially as we approach the midpoint of a decade that has witnessed strong economic growth and technological breakthroughs, despite the global pandemic and geopolitical conflicts.
He added:
“UBS is globally recognized as a leading wealth management institution, yet thousands of our clients are entrepreneurs or belong to long-established business families that span generations. This report reflects the collective knowledge of some of the brightest entrepreneurs we work with and highlights their perspectives on the future of their industries, their business plans in the short term, and until the end of the decade.”
Optimistic Outlook
Entrepreneurs’ insights serve as an important indicator of economic conditions and key drivers of change. The report reveals that 6 out of 10 participating entrepreneurs (61%) are very or somewhat optimistic about the future of their industries over the next 12 months, compared to only 17% who express pessimism. Entrepreneurs in the Americas emerged as the most optimistic.
From a sectoral perspective, entrepreneurs in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing demonstrated the highest levels of confidence, whereas those in consumer and essential services sectors showed relatively lower optimism.
Entrepreneurs expect companies to increase investment levels in the coming months:
- 51% of participants indicated that companies in their sectors plan to increase investments slightly or significantly in the next 12 months.
- This percentage rises to 86% when looking at investment plans over the next five years.
On a global level, entrepreneurs expect investments to focus primarily on human resources and acquisitions, according to the report.
- 54% believe that companies in their sectors will invest in employees in the next 12 months, not only through hiring but also through incentives and training programs.
- 53% anticipate an increase in strategic acquisitions or partnerships.
- 47% foresee investments in digital transformation and IT.
- 45% expect investments in AI infrastructure, applications, and models.
Investment trends by region:
- In the Americas, investment in human resources will be the top priority.
- In Europe, strategic acquisitions and partnerships will take precedence.
- In Asia-Pacific, strategic acquisitions, AI infrastructure, and applications will be the top investment priorities over human resources.
Over the next 12 months, 4 out of 10 entrepreneurs (44%) participating in the survey expect a moderate or significant increase in workforce size in their sectors, rising to 68% over the next five years. The most optimistic expectations for the next five years are found in the Americas and Switzerland, while very few entrepreneurs worldwide expect a major decline in workforce size over the next year or five years.
The report also reveals that 52% of participants believe companies in their sectors face hiring difficulties, while 45% indicate that businesses have had to increase salaries and incentives to retain employees. These challenges appear more severe in the Americas and Europe compared to the Asia-Pacific region.
Artificial Intelligence: The Biggest Business Opportunity
Entrepreneurs see tremendous potential in artificial intelligence, with 62% of them considering it the technology that offers the greatest business opportunity for their sectors. Expectations are particularly high in technology and healthcare but lower among entrepreneurs in industrial sectors.
Over the next five years, 67% of participants believe that AI will enhance productivity in companies within their industries.
Over the next 12 months, entrepreneurs identify political instability and uncertainty as the biggest threat to their sectors (53%), followed by higher taxes (42%), and major geopolitical conflicts (41%).
Over the next five years, taxes become the top concern, along with political and geopolitical issues, as 46% of entrepreneurs believe that higher taxes will be the most negatively impactful factor on their industries.
Regarding business-specific challenges, 46% of entrepreneurs express concern about regulatory changes and compliance requirements over the next 12 months, while 35% highlight cybersecurity threats, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors.
Looking ahead, entrepreneurs seek to balance personal interests, business, and investment goals.
- 52% of participants want to focus more on travel, hobbies, and family.
- 49% aspire to become investors in a variety of assets.
- 47% seek to invest in other companies, such as private equity or angel investments.
Among the 156 survey participants:
- 38% were from the United States and Latin America.
- 21% were from Europe, Asia-Pacific.
- 19% were from Switzerland.
- Only 3 entrepreneurs were from outside these regions.
Regional Results
Americas:
- 71% of entrepreneurs are optimistic about their industries over the next 12 months.
- 57% expect companies in their sectors to increase investments slightly or significantly in one year, rising to 86% over five years.
- 52% anticipate a moderate or significant increase in workforce size in one year, rising to 76% over five years.
- Top investment priorities: human resources, hiring, incentives, training, upgrading equipment, and strategic acquisitions.
Europe:
- 52% are optimistic about the next 12 months.
- 59% expect increased investment over a year, rising to 87% over five years.
- 50% anticipate workforce expansion in one year, increasing to 58% over five years.
- Key investment areas: strategic acquisitions, IT, digital transformation, AI infrastructure, and applications.
Switzerland:
- 50% are optimistic about their industries.
- 37% expect increased investment within one year, rising to 85% over five years.
- 43% anticipate workforce growth in one year, climbing to 71% over five years.
- Investment priorities: strategic acquisitions, human resources, IT, and digital transformation.
Asia-Pacific:
- 59% of entrepreneurs are optimistic about the next 12 months.
- 45% expect increased investment within one year, rising to 85% over five years.
- 23% anticipate workforce growth in one year, but 57% foresee expansion within five years.
- Top investment priorities: strategic acquisitions, AI infrastructure, applications, and data analytics.
For the full report, please visit:
UBS Global Entrepreneur Report 2025
