Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, predicts that AI and automation will ignite a new era of entrepreneurship by 2026, contrary to fears of job losses. In ARK's "Big Ideas 2026" report, Wood highlights how companies like Tether exemplify the potential for high productivity per employee, surpassing traditional firms. She argues that as AI and blockchain technologies become more integrated, they will significantly enhance productivity and lower barriers to entrepreneurship. Wood emphasizes that the focus should be on providing individuals with the right tools, such as ChatGPT and Grok, to identify needs, create prototypes, and launch businesses. She views AI not as a threat, but as a catalyst for reducing entrepreneurial barriers to unprecedented levels.