Digital Economy Valued at Over $20 Trillion, US Business Formation Hits Record

The digital economy has officially surpassed $20 trillion in value, now representing approximately 18% of global GDP. This growth reflects a decade-long shift from brick-and-mortar to online business models, accelerated by the rise of artificial intelligence.

In the United States, business formation is experiencing a record-breaking boom: over 3.1 million applications were filed in the first half of 2026, a 17% increase compared to the same period last year. Globally, more than 200 million people now identify as creators, entrepreneurs, or online business owners.