Hailuo AI, Chinese Innovation & A Lean Team of 6

Introduction

Small teams. Big results. That’s the dream in an AI era, right?

Hailuo AI—a lean team of just six operating within the larger AI company MiniMax—proves it’s not just possible, but scalable. They’ve cracked the code on leveraging small-scale focus with big-company resources to create a tool that’s capturing global attention. For micropreneurs, Hailuo AI offers a masterclass in how to operate like a micro empire: autonomous, impactful, and positioned to punch well above your weight.

Let’s break down what makes this team tick and what lessons we can take from their journey.

About the Company, Team Size & Business Stats

Hailuo AI is part of MiniMax, a Shanghai-based AI company founded in 2021. While MiniMax employs over 100 people, Hailuo AI’s core development team is reportedly just six individuals—a true “micro empire” within the organization (source).

The product itself is a text-to-video platform that can generate stunning, cinematic 6-second clips from prompts (source). In the saturated AI market, this tool has carved out a niche for creators and marketers, helping MiniMax hit over 11 million monthly visits for its products by October 2024 (source).

Here’s what’s wild: MiniMax raised $600 million in funding this year, with investors like Alibaba betting big on their potential (source). Hailuo AI, while small in team size, represents the kind of high-impact, niche-focused innovation that makes these investments worthwhile.

3 Key Lessons for Micropreneurs

1. Small Teams Can Deliver Big Outcomes—With the Right Support Hailuo AI isn’t trying to do everything. They focus on what they’re great at—short, visually stunning videos—and rely on MiniMax’s infrastructure to handle the heavy lifting. For micropreneurs, this is a reminder: find ways to leverage outside resources without losing your autonomy.

2. Narrow Your Focus, Amplify Your Impact Instead of chasing broad, undefined markets, Hailuo AI zeroed in on a specific pain point: easy video creation. By perfecting this one thing, they’ve gained global traction (source). As a micropreneur, ask yourself: what’s your one thing?

3. Think Local to Go Global Despite being a China-based product, Hailuo AI is crushing it internationally. The lesson? Create something universal, even if your roots are local. Value is the bridge that connects markets, not geography.

Historical Parallels

Hailuo AI’s strategy of operating as a small, focused team within a larger entity isn’t new—it echoes strategies from Chinese history.

Take the State of Qin during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE). While smaller than its rivals, Qin focused on targeted reforms and innovation. By investing in iron weaponry and new governance methods, they eventually unified China under one empire (source).

Or consider the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). Back then, artisans and scholars often worked within tight-knit, self-sufficient groups, creating world-renowned art and literature. They operated like micro empires—independent, yet supported by the larger dynasty (source).

Both examples highlight a recurring theme: small, focused groups can shift the course of history when they align resources with innovation.

Tools Used by Their Team

While Hailuo AI hasn’t publicly shared their tech stack, it’s clear they rely on some advanced tools. For micropreneurs looking to emulate their approach, here are some that could help:

• AI Development: Platforms like TensorFlow or PyTorch for building and refining AI models.

• Creative Content: Tools like Runway ML or Canva for video creation and editing.

• Collaboration: Notion or Slack for managing lean teams efficiently.

The secret isn’t the tools themselves—it’s how you use them to amplify your focus.

Global Trends & Cultural Influences

Hailuo AI’s rise ties into two major trends:

1. The Democratization of Content Creation
   AI tools like Hailuo AI are leveling the playing field. Now, anyone can create professional-grade videos with just a prompt. Micropreneurs are no longer competing with large agencies—they’re creating on the same level.

2. China’s Growing Role in Global Tech
   Many in the West underestimate the Chinese tech ecosystem, but platforms like Hailuo AI are changing that. Chinese companies thrive on a blend of Confucian collaboration and breakneck innovation. This cultural foundation helps small teams thrive in larger ecosystems (learn more).

For micropreneurs in the West, there’s a lot to learn here: innovation doesn’t have to mean isolation.

Conclusion

Hailuo AI reminds us that you don’t need a massive team to make a global impact. With six people, they’ve created a tool that’s reshaping how we think about video creation. Their success lies in their ability to balance small-team focus with access to big-company resources—a model any micropreneur can learn from (especially if you’re still working within a larger entity).

Whether you’re building your own micro empire or scaling a side hustle, the principles are the same: stay focused, use the right tools, and think beyond borders. Hailuo AI didn’t need an army to succeed. Neither do you.

Key Takeaways (for Immediate Action)

1. Find Your Leverage: Identify partners, tools, or platforms that can provide scale without taking over.

2. Master Your Niche: Focus on solving one problem incredibly well.

3. Learn from the Past: Study how small, focused teams (from history or today) have made big impacts.

4. Use the Right Tools: AI tools and collaborative platforms can help you punch above your weight.

5. Think Bigger: Your roots may be small, but your reach doesn’t have to be.

Small teams. Big impact. That’s the game. Let’s play.