Part of this constant learning curve involves the precarious business balancing act. You know it, I know it \u2026 One foot rooted in the present and the other dangling in the future, attempting, at least, to predict what happens next.<\/p>\n
On the latter, I\u2018m here to save you time and stress. I\u2019ve scoured through a bunch of data and gained insights from fellow entrepreneurs to forecast 10 trends in entrepreneurship for 2025. So grab your beverage of choice, sit back, relax, and keep reading to discover:<\/p>\n
Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Let’s get straight into it with 10 data-backed and expert-led entrepreneurship trends you can expect to see in 2025.<\/p>\n If I\u2018ve said it once, I\u2019ve said it a thousand times: Regardless of how you feel about the tech, the AI genie isn’t going back in the bottle. In fact, the adoption of artificial intelligence in business is only on the rise.<\/p>\n For example, HubSpot’s latest AI Trends for Sales<\/a> data shows that AI adoption in sales surged from 24% in 2023 to 43% this year. Meanwhile, HubSpot’s 2024 AI Trends for Marketers<\/a> finds that 48% of marketing leaders have invested in AI tools for their teams.<\/p>\n Still not convinced? Looking at HubSpot’s State of AI in Customer Service<\/a> survey data: \u201c84% of respondents say AI\/automation tools will be instrumental in helping them meet customer service expectations.\u201d<\/p>\n Roland Jakob<\/a> is an entrepreneur, executive leadership coach, and managing partner at BlazeKin.Media<\/a>. Jakob has spent over 15 years helping top brands like Coca-Cola, IKEA, and Starbucks form impactful partnerships with creative talent. Jakob also believes that AI and automation will be unavoidable in 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cI think that companies holding out on these tools will struggle to stay competitive,\u201d says Jakob. \u201cFrom what I’ve seen, even smaller startups are finding ways to integrate AI to handle repetitive tasks or personalize customer experiences, allowing founders to focus on bigger-picture goals.\u201d<\/p>\n But what’s driving this uptake? Jakob believes \u201cAI is becoming a core component, especially as efficiency and cost-saving measures take priority in a tight economy.\u201d<\/p>\n If you\u2018ve read my previous scribblings about AI, you\u2019ll know I\u2018m “skeptically optimistic” about the tech. Simply put, I remain skeptical about many AI use cases. I will never say AI can do things well that it just can\u2019t. I’m a strident advocate for human oversight. And I<\/strong> don’t believe AI will replace the necessity for a human workforce anytime soon.<\/strong><\/p>\n That said, I see the value of artificial intelligence when it\u2018s integrated thoughtfully. Therefore, I\u2019m not surprised more folks will want to discover how AI might work for them in 2025.<\/p>\n Pro tip: <\/strong>Need some inspiration? Check out my previous piece about AI business integration<\/a> to see how the experts make new tech work for them.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Looking at customer service as a use case, AI has gone beyond automating basic tasks to more advanced implementation across systems and processes. Now, nearly 80% of service leaders<\/a> believe AI will be able to resolve the majority of tickets without a customer service rep by 2025.<\/p>\n For some much-needed balance, only 34% believe AI will completely replace the human workforce. As for me, I’ve interviewed multiple customer service experts<\/a> about AI in the last few years, and I believe it will save your agents time, but it won’t replace them.<\/strong><\/p>\n Jake Munday<\/a>, CEO and co-founder of Custom Neon<\/a>, a global manufacturer and retailer of custom-designed LED neon lights and signs, shares their thoughts about this trend.<\/p>\n “In 2025, we’re going to see a genuine shift from experimentation with AI to full-scale implementation, driving the evolution of the truly intelligent enterprise<\/em>,” says Munday.<\/p>\n According to Munday, many businesses have already dabbled and moved beyond proof-of-concept projects and started integrating AI into core business operations with real, measurable results.<\/p>\n Munday explains that this trend will accelerate across the board because those reluctant to use AI are now realizing the tangible benefits, particularly when it comes to streamlining processes and enhancing customer experiences.<\/p>\n He adds, \u201cIt’s a case of innovating or stagnating with AI.\u201d<\/p>\n As I said above (broken record alert!), we know AI isn\u2018t going anywhere. And even if you haven\u2019t adopted the tech into your systems and processes, a bunch of folks already have.<\/p>\n That’s not to say there was anything inherently wrong with not jumping aboard the AI train in the first few years. Honestly, where others have gone full steam ahead \u2014 not always with a happy ending<\/a> \u2014 I think there’s been a strong case for showing some restraint \u2026<\/p>\n Kind of like how some primates will watch other members of their group eat new types of berries first. Why? They want to make sure nothing goes terribly wrong before they gobble novel food that could be poisonous.<\/strong><\/p>\n Either way, we can all benefit from any learnings during the experimentation phase and move toward implementation more confidently. But even now, I think we still need to experiment carefully and implement gradually.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Immuta’s AI Security & Governance Report<\/a> surveyed 700+ data experts from around the globe, and 80% agree that \u201cAI is making data security more challenging.\u201d<\/p>\n A significant risk raised by 52% of those surveyed was the chance of AI attacks via threat actors. Furthermore, 57% of data experts have experienced increased AI-driven attacks in the last year.<\/p>\n When it comes to data privacy, Immuta’s report finds that 55% of experts are concerned about large language models (LLMs) accidentally leaking sensitive data. And more than 50% think user prompts could expose sensitive information via LLMs. Beyond the cold-hard stats, consumers are more aware of security and privacy issues than ever.<\/p>\n Steven Castellano<\/a>, CEO of eBallot<\/a>, an online platform specializing in secure voting and decision-making solutions, expands on the above. \u201cIn 2025, I see two trends that’ll shape how entrepreneurs operate, and both come down to building real connections and trust,\u201d says Castellano.<\/p>\n First, Castellano says, trust-first business models will take center stage.<\/p>\n \u201cRunning eBallot, I\u2018ve seen the demand for transparency and security skyrocket. People want to know exactly where their data goes, who\u2019s handling it, and how companies are keeping it safe,\u201d Castellano says.<\/p>\n Castellano warns that it\u2018s not just lip service anymore; clients ask pointed questions, and they want real answers. “I think businesses that don\u2019t put transparency front and center will lose their edge. Trust has become something you earn daily, not just once.”<\/p>\n I recently penned a piece about AI data protection<\/a>. There was a common theme among the experts I interviewed: With all the benefits of this tech, one of the most significant downsides is the risk AI poses to data protection and cybersecurity.<\/p>\n But here’s where it gets even more interesting. Many of the same folks I interviewed felt that the best solution to bad AI in this regard was good AI.<\/p>\n An example of \u2018good AI\u2019 would be using the tech to simulate potential cyber-attacks (aka \u2018bad AI\u2019) and attacker’s behavior. That way, you can head these bad-faith actors off at the pass before they cause serious harm to your business.<\/p>\n If Immuta\u2018s AI Security & Governance Report findings (above) weren\u2019t enough to convince you about the need for AI governance, allow Informatica’s annual survey<\/a> of global data leaders to drive the point home.<\/p>\n Aside from the issues with data security and privacy cited in the previous trend, around 40% of data leaders find the increasing volume and variety of data to be a significant blocker in executing their data strategy.<\/p>\n The result? A behemoth, 100% of global data leaders planned to invest in data management capabilities in 2024.<\/strong><\/p>\n Sandeep Kashyap<\/a>, the chief executive officer of project management software ProofHub<\/a>, agrees that the rise of AI governance platforms will be an important trend in entrepreneurship in 2025. \u201cAs AI becomes more integral to our processes, we need systems to monitor its impact on ethical and safety standards,\u201d says Kashyap.<\/p>\n Kashyap notes that these governance platforms will be crucial for IT leaders, helping ensure that AI innovations are fair, transparent, and accountable.<\/p>\n \u201cThe growing emphasis on responsible AI usage \u2014 particularly in areas like fraud detection and decision-making in finance \u2014 reflects a strong commitment to building trust in technology,\u201d Kashyap says.<\/p>\n Kashyap believes that AI adoption will likely come with established standards for entrepreneurs, opening up opportunities for businesses that prioritize responsible, transparent tech use.<\/p>\n AI governance is the processes, guidelines, and mechanisms you put in place to make sure AI tools and systems are safe and ethical and don’t break any international data laws. Without a governance platform, managing all of this soon gets complex.<\/p>\n I don’t want to be biased here because there are plenty of great AI data governance platforms, but my go-to is Secoda<\/a>. Secoda is a data warehouse and AI\/LLM integration for data governance, lineage, and compliance.<\/p>\n I tested it out in my piece about AI tools for businesses<\/a>, and I’ve been a massive fan ever since. I highly recommend this platform if you need a no-code solution to wrangle your ever-growing data bank.<\/p>\n Trends one through four make it clear entrepreneurs will continue to integrate AI into their businesses. However, business use aside, how does the general public feel about the tech? According to YouGov’s study of 6+ million Americans<\/a>, 37% are \u201cAI optimists.\u201d Meanwhile, 29% are \u201cAI ignorant,\u201d and 34% are \u201cAI abstainers.\u201d<\/p>\n When the rubber hits the road, over 60% of the U.S. population consciously chooses to avoid AI or is entirely ignorant of it. Yikes! Whether you’re trying to encourage everyday folks to use your AI tool or want them to feel confident about how or why you use artificial intelligence within your business, you must bridge the gap between that 29% and 60%.<\/p>\n Steven Castellano, CEO of eBallot, who shared their first trend prediction earlier, thinks entrepreneurs can achieve this by retaining the human touch and encouraging personal connection. \u201cThe second trend I see is a move toward hybrid business models that blend digital efficiency with personal connection,\u201d says Castellano.<\/p>\n “We’ve seen how much people miss human interaction, even in digital services like ours. I believe the brands that manage to keep a human touch, even in a high-tech world, will be the ones people stick with,\u201d Castellano says.<\/p>\n He adds: \u201cIt’s funny \u2014 in a world where everything’s AI-based and automated, people want the reassurance of real, tangible connections. In 2025, entrepreneurs who can find that balance \u2014 between being digitally seamless and genuinely personal \u2014 will be the ones that thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n At this point, I\u2018ve interviewed enough AI integrators and experts across multiple niches to shout this from the rooftops \u2026 AI cannot replace the human touch. That\u2019s especially true in any area that involves customer interaction, like customer service or sales. So, this trend prediction really resonates with me!<\/p>\n A 2024 HubSpot Blog Survey of 422 U.S.-based B2B professionals emphasizes the need for personalization.<\/p>\n Looking at the data, nearly 75% of customers say personalized information tailored to their specific needs\/goals is critical to making a B2B purchase decision. Segment’s State of Personalization Report 2024<\/a> shows similar findings, with 56% of consumers more likely to make a repeat purchase after a personalized shopping experience.<\/p>\n Given this, it’s no surprise that 77% of marketers already using AI<\/a> say it assists them to produce more personalized content. Further, HubSpot\u2018s 2024 AI Trends for Sales data suggests more salespeople are using AI to personalize outreach and close more deals. I can\u2019t see this drive toward customer personalization slowing down anytime soon.<\/p>\n TrackingMore<\/a> Founder and CEO Clooney Wang<\/a> speaks to this trend. \u201cThe biggest trend in the B2B SaaS industry in 2025 will be AI-driven personalization at scale,\u201d says Wang.<\/p>\n He adds, \u201cAs an entrepreneur and founder in this industry, I’m looking forward to how this trend will transform SaaS platforms and make them more engaging for customers. I expect nearly all SaaS platforms to integrate some form of AI personalization in 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n Wang warns that this will be the only viable way of gaining and retaining customers. Adding, \u201cBeyond marketing, I foresee advanced personalization extending to individual experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n The verdict is out \u2014 in a tech-driven world, your customers still want the human touch. The answer? Highly personalized customer experiences. Here’s what I will say, though: even if you use AI to help you facilitate this, leave your humans at the helm.<\/p>\n I also agree with Clooney Wang’s assertions that founders and developers in B2B SaaS will want to integrate more learning algorithms into their platforms \u201cto improve customer experience across aspects like email, product and feature recommendations, and in-app guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n The Department of the Treasury<\/a> finds that \u201cthe United States is averaging 430,000 new business applications per month in 2024.\u201d For context, that’s 50% more than in 2019. Further, \u201centrepreneurs are also growing more diverse,\u201d with 43% of self-employed Americans being female \u2014 the highest percentage yet.<\/p>\n The above data would suggest that more folks \u2014 at least in the U.S. \u2014 are flocking toward entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n Gauri Manglik<\/a>, CEO and co-founder of Instrumentl<\/a>, shares why she expects this trend to continue into 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving founded multiple startups over the past two decades, I’ve seen many entrepreneurship trends come and go,\u201d says Manglik. \u201cLooking ahead to 2025, I believe one of the biggest trends will be the democratization of entrepreneurship.\u201d<\/p>\n She explains that tools and resources that used to only be accessible to those with connections or in Silicon Valley hubs will become available to anyone around the world with an internet connection. Manglik believes this will lead to \u201can explosion of innovation from unexpected places as people everywhere are empowered to turn their ideas into reality.\u201d<\/p>\n She adds, \u201cI envision a much more diverse and distributed entrepreneurial ecosystem by 2025, unlocking fresh thinking to tackle global challenges. The barriers to launching and scaling a startup will be lower than ever, putting entrepreneurship within reach for people of all backgrounds. It’s an exciting future I can’t wait to be a part of!\u201d<\/p>\n As a business owner myself, I am so here for this trend. That said, entrepreneurship can be a wild ride. So, if you\u2018re thinking about it, please know that it\u2019s not always glitz and glam like the gazillionaire social media influencers make it out to be.<\/p>\n Yes, the flexibility and freedom of entrepreneurship are near-unbeatable perks, in my humble opinion. However, the pros aside, the cons will ask you to go to your edge \u2014 and beyond it.<\/p>\n As I mentioned in trend number seven, the ups of entrepreneurship are exhilarating. Still, the downs can require extreme grit, determination, and resilience. The financial aspect of running a business is one area that often requires those strengths in abundance. You need only look to the pandemic years to see how unforeseeable events can take a business to its financial edge.<\/p>\n As for 2024 and beyond, inflation is one of the most pressing issues for businesses in the here and now. Statista’s<\/a> monthly U.S. inflation rate data cites a price increase of 2.4% from September 2023 to 2024 as per the 12-month percentage change in the consumer price index.<\/p>\n Statista’s projected annual U.S. inflation rate predicts that number will fall from 2.9% to 2% in 2025. However, the issue of rising business costs due to inflation is still set to dominate financial decisions for entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n BlazeKin.Media Managing Partner Roland Jakob shares their thoughts.<\/p>\n \u201cFinancial resilience will also be front and center,\u201d says Jakob. \u201cAs economic pressures like inflation persist, entrepreneurs who don’t build adaptability into their strategies will find it difficult to pivot quickly enough.\u201d<\/p>\n According to Jakob, an agile approach to finances can make all the difference when unexpected hits occur.<\/p>\n He recommends \u201cdiversifying income sources, cutting back on high-risk investments, and holding reserves are all practical steps for weathering these market shifts.\u201d He adds, \u201cThis adaptability isn’t a bonus; it’s survival in today’s environment.\u201d<\/p>\n In my experience, financial issues don’t always arise from a huge global crisis. Sometimes, they can happen based on unforeseen expenses or a client needing to end a retainer due to budget cuts.<\/p>\n It can be easier said than done \u2014 especially when you\u2018re just starting. But, I\u2019d recommend always having some cash in the hopper for emergencies. And if you’re currently employed, you might be better off gradually dipping your toes into the entrepreneurship waters<\/a> rather than leaving your job and diving straight in.<\/p>\n According to Stifel’s Sustainability Survey<\/a>, 73% of Gen Z would pay more for products made by active\/casual lifestyle apparel brands with leading sustainability practices. Plus, NielsenIQ<\/a> (NIQ) data shows that when purchasing beauty products, Gen Z is \u201clooking for products that are clean, have natural fragrances, and are cruelty-free.\u201d<\/p>\n Given that NIQ research also predicts Gen Z’s spending power will grow to around $2.7 trillion in the next few years, their consumer preferences will likely impact how businesses operate. Aside from this, more and more Gen Z folks are following the entrepreneurial path. This means that their beliefs and values will increasingly shape how businesses are built.<\/p>\n Roland Jakob agrees.<\/p>\n \u201cLooking to 2025, I believe we’ll see an intense focus on values-driven businesses,\u201d says Jakob. \u201cMore young entrepreneurs, many under 25, are motivated by a desire to positively impact their communities and the environment, which is shifting entrepreneurship from profit-focused to purpose-focused.\u201d<\/p>\n He adds, \u201cThis is already driving change across industries. I’ve watched as more brands, big and small, now consider not only their financial outcomes but also how they impact the world. I expect this push for socially responsible business to be almost essential for success moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Whatever your priorities, I fully support building a business based on your values. That process doesn’t have to be issue-driven or even overly complex.<\/p>\n The way I built a values-driven business was to write down five values that are important to me. I then mapped out how those values might interact with a) the way I do business and b) who I do business with.<\/p>\n For example, integrity is one of my core values. Part of that means not taking on clients with a product or service, which I disagree with from an ethical standpoint. Has that approach lost me money over the years? Yeppers. Has it lost me sleep? No siree, Bob. (I like to remember that there are different forms of currency in life, and a good night’s sleep is one of them!)<\/p>\n Frequent LinkedIn? Then, you\u2018ve likely seen the oft cringe-inducing posts about hiring for personality over experience and qualifications. While there can be some truth to this approach, I\u2019m here to pitch something more practical. Granted, it’s not likely to reach the lofty heights of social influencer virality anytime soon.<\/p>\n My not-so-hot take:<\/strong> in 2025, skills and experience will typically matter more than formal qualifications.<\/p>\n In fact, Yolk Recruitment research<\/a> finds that \u201c47% of businesses now consider experience to be the most important factor they look for when hiring new talent.\u201d Meanwhile, only 11% of businesses place the highest value on qualifications.<\/p>\n Director of ProfileTree<\/a> Ciaran Connolly<\/a>, agrees. \u201cThe business economy will continue to value skills and experience over qualifications,\u201d says Connolly.<\/p>\n “We have shifted our hiring practices, where expertise and personal skills often outweigh formal education. We are finding we need digital marketers with AI skills, something that is not readily available in the local market \u2014 hence, we have to upskill capable new hires,\u201d says Connolly.<\/p>\n As someone who has worked in recruitment and hired people in the past, I do see the benefits of a prospective candidate having formal qualifications. At a bare minimum, it shows a commitment to your profession.<\/p>\n That said, I\u2018m always much more interested in whether a candidate has the requisite skills and experience for the role. And if those skills come from someone being self-taught, that\u2019s fine by me!<\/p>\n![\"Download](\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/53\/1a0a4e5a-b3ce-4c8b-bc42-4e24cde930ae.png\")
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Essential Entrepreneurship Trends to Know in 2025<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n1. The adoption of AI will continue.<\/h3>\n
Expert Insights<\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nMy Takeaway<\/h4>\n
2. But, we’ll shift from AI experimentation to full-scale implementation.<\/h3>\n
Expert Insights<\/h4>\n
My Takeaway<\/h4>\n
3. As a result, the demand for data security and transparency will increase.<\/h3>\n
Expert Insights<\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nMy Takeaway<\/h4>\n
4. And, we’ll see the rise of AI governance platforms.<\/h3>\n
Expert Insights<\/h4>\n
My Takeaway<\/h4>\n
5. A balance between digital efficiency and personal connection will also be required.<\/h3>\n
Expert Insights<\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nMy Takeaway<\/h4>\n
6. Leading to a shift towards greater customer personalization.<\/h3>\n
Expert Insights<\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nMy Takeaway<\/h4>\n
7. We’ll see the democratization of entrepreneurship continue.<\/h3>\n
Expert Insights<\/h4>\n
My Takeaway<\/h4>\n
8. But, financial resilience must be front and center.<\/h3>\n
Expert Insights<\/h4>\n
My Takeaway<\/h4>\n
9. There’ll be an intense focus on values-driven businesses.<\/h3>\n
Expert Insights<\/h4>\n
My Takeaway<\/h4>\n
10. Skills and experience will trump formal qualifications when hiring.<\/h3>\n
Expert Insights<\/h4>\n
My Takeaway<\/h4>\n
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