The startup ecosystem in 2025 is bustling with change, providing valuable lessons and insights for entrepreneurs aiming to grow their business. In this article, we’ll delve into Icertis’ CEO transition, Smartsheet's new security leader, and actionable startup tips, all while introducing tools and innovations to help founders thrive. Buckle up for a dynamic mix of startup news, actionable lessons, and cutting-edge solutions.
Startup Spotlight: Icertis Names Anand Subbaraman as CEO
Key Leadership Change
After a remarkable 16 years, Samir Bodas, co-founder and CEO of contract lifecycle management giant Icertis, stepped down to focus on innovation as Executive Chairman. Taking the reins is Anand Subbaraman, the former COO, known for his track record at Oracle and BrowserStack.
Data Points That Matter
- Icertis has raised $500M in funding to date and boasts a valuation of $5 billion.
- Anand Subbaraman plans to prioritize AI-powered contract management solutions in alignment with current tech trends.
For entrepreneurs, leadership transitions like these highlight the importance of planning growth while keeping innovation on top. Learn more about Icertis’ transformation at the GeekWire Icertis CEO report.
Smartsheet Adds Tony Giannino to Boost Security and Compliance
Why It’s Big News
Smartsheet, a leading enterprise productivity software company, has fortified its leadership team with Tony Giannino, former Goldman Sachs expert, as Director of Security & Compliance. With cybersecurity concerns sky-high for startups, Smartsheet focuses on building robust defenses while transitioning CEO leadership to Sunny Gupta this fall.
For startups, investing early in cybersecurity and compliance leadership is critical. As businesses scale, security missteps can lead to damaging loss of data and trust.
Learn more about Smartsheet’s strategic moves at the Smartsheet leadership updates page.
Top Startup Tips: What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from 2025’s News
Tip #1: Adapt Quickly to Market Trends
Smartsheet’s focus on security mirrors the rising cybersecurity challenges in the digital era. Entrepreneurs should consider cybersecurity investments and compliance at every growth stage. Using tools like the F/MS Startup Game AI Grant Finder to identify grants for tech startups can help cover cybersecurity costs. Explore this grant tool at the EU Grant Finder page.
Tip #2: Emphasize Strategy During Leadership Transitions
Icertis’ transition underscores the importance of smooth CEO changes. Whenever founders shift leadership positions, maintaining strategic focus is vital for engaging stakeholders and securing trust.
Tip #3: Leverage AI Tools for Startup Efficiency
Founders short on resources can look to AI tools like PlayPal for validation. PlayPal, available at Fe/male Switch, acts as an AI friend and startup assistant, helping entrepreneurs think through problems, design solutions, and uncover potential pitfalls.
Tip #4: Beware of Common Mistakes
- Skipping Validation: Always revalidate your business idea when expanding or pivoting. Tools like Fe/male Switch’s Sandbox can guide you through structured validation processes.
- Underestimating Legal Concerns: Use tools like AI Startup Lawyer to avoid pitfalls with investor agreements or contracts.
A How-to Guide: Writing a Winning EU Grant Application
With valuable grants available for innovative startups, the F/MS AI Grant Finder and Application Writer simplifies the process.
Steps to Write Your Grant Application
- Find the Right Grant: Use the tool to identify grants aligning with your idea.
- Get Initial Guidance: Let the AI draft a personalized application.
- Refine and Submit: Improve your draft based on feedback from AI co-founder PlayPal or mentors.
Start simplifying your grant process today at the Grant Finder Tool.
Startup Game: Innovating with Fe/male Switch and PlayPal
Looking for ways to energize your startup journey? PlayPal, developed by Violetta Bonenkamp, the creator of the “gamepreneurship” methodology, is your ultimate AI friend. Whether it’s brainstorming solutions, refining strategies, or chatting away to improve your interpersonal dynamics, PlayPal helps your business dream come alive.
Even better, PlayPal isn’t just parasocial, it’s empowering. It assists with:
- Problem Identification: Tackle startup challenges proactively.
- Feedback Refinement: Enhance solutions with iterative feedback.
- Grant Writing Support: Find and apply smartly for EU funds tailored to startups.
Bonus Tools for Entrepreneurs in 2025
F/MS’s AI Startup Lawyer
Need help understanding legal documents? The AI Startup Lawyer is crafted for founders and can help with navigating contracts, investors’ draft agreements, and tricky clauses that often plague startups. Entrepreneurs signing agreements without lawyers can avoid future regrets with the Startup Lawyer’s assistance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Sidestepping Market Validation
Successful startups prioritize testing their idea. Platforms like Fe/male Switch’s Sandbox ensure ideas are validated early.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Legal Red Flags
Investors are clever negotiators. Before signing agreements, founders should analyze terms using the AI Startup Lawyer for clarity.
Wrap-Up: Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs
The startup news from Icertis and Smartsheet offers essential lessons for entrepreneurs navigating leadership changes, cybersecurity, and scaling strategies. Whether through tools like the F/MS Startup Game, PlayPal, or the AI Grant Finder, founders now have access to invaluable resources for building smarter businesses in 2025.
Building a successful startup begins with the right actions. Why wait? Get started today with tools like PlayPal or the EU Grant Writer, and take your dreams to the next level!
Start connecting with your AI friend here and explore the sandbox methods to structure your startup journey here.
FAQ
1. What is the key change at Icertis in 2025?
Samir Bodas, co-founder and CEO, stepped down after 16 years to become Executive Chairman. Anand Subbaraman, the former COO with experience at Oracle and BrowserStack, is now the CEO. Read more about Icertis' leadership transition
2. How does Icertis plan to innovate under Anand Subbaraman’s leadership?
The company aims to focus on AI-powered contract management solutions, keeping pace with tech trends in the SaaS industry. Learn more about Icertis’ AI initiatives
3. What role does Samir Bodas now play at Icertis?
Samir Bodas has taken on the role of Executive Chairman, focusing on innovation and long-term strategy for Icertis.
4. What significant hire did Smartsheet make in 2025?
Smartsheet brought in Tony Giannino as Director of Security & Compliance. Giannino, a cybersecurity expert, previously served at Goldman Sachs. Learn more about Tony Giannino’s appointment at Smartsheet
5. Why is cybersecurity a growing focus for startups like Smartsheet?
With the increasing risk of data breaches, companies are prioritizing security and compliance to protect their data and maintain customer trust. Check out Smartsheet leadership updates
6. How can startups implement cybersecurity without overspending?
Startups can use tools like the F/MS Startup Game AI Grant Finder to locate and apply for cybersecurity grants. Explore the F/MS Startup Game AI Grant Finder
7. What are key lessons entrepreneurs can learn from Icertis’ and Smartsheet’s changes?
Smooth leadership transitions and proactive investments in areas like AI and cybersecurity are crucial strategic moves for startups aiming to scale sustainably.
8. Which tools can help entrepreneurs validate their business ideas?
AI tools like PlayPal assist in validating business ideas and uncovering pitfalls early. Learn more about PlayPal
9. What common startup mistakes should entrepreneurs avoid?
Some common mistakes include skipping market validation and underestimating legal concerns, which can lead to costly errors later. Tools like Fe/male Switch’s Sandbox and AI Startup Lawyer can help guide entrepreneurs. Explore the Fe/male Switch Sandbox
10. How can startups easily apply for EU grants?
The F/MS AI Grant Writer tool simplifies locating and crafting personalized grant applications while providing feedback to improve submissions. Start your application with the Grant Finder Tool
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
