2025 continues to be a landmark year for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and business professionals, as personalization tools become integral to the digital landscape. The latest update from Google allows users to steer their search results by choosing preferred news sources, empowering them with tailored and accurate information. This article explores Google's Preferred Sources feature, its implications for startup news seekers, and provides actionable steps to enhance your search experience.
Insights into Google's New Search Feature
Google's Preferred Sources tool is a game-changer for anyone seeking curated information. Here's what you need to know:
- Launch Date: August 12, 2025.
- Availability: U.S. and India for English-language Google searches.
- How It Works: Users can select preferred websites or blogs by clicking the star icon within the search’s "Top Stories" section. These preferred sources are prioritized in search results, offering enhanced customization. Moreover, Google may introduce a "From your sources" carousel for quick access.
This feature is especially helpful for entrepreneurs and startup founders needing reliable data on markets, funding, or industry trends.
Step-by-Step Guide: Customizing Your Startup News Search
Here’s how startup founders can utilize Google’s Preferred Sources to streamline their search process:
- Enable Preferred Sources:
- Find the star icon next to "Top Stories" in your search results. Click it to start selecting news outlets. Ensure they're reputable sources for startup insights, such as TechCrunch or EU Startups.
- Search and Add Sources:
- Use the search bar within the customization tab to locate your favorite startup websites. For example, you can prioritize startup-focused blogs like Fe/male Switch, known for its innovative resources for entrepreneurs.
- Explore New Sections:
- Keep an eye out for the "From your sources" section appearing below Top Stories, this will display articles exclusively from your selected outlets.
- Optimize Further:
- Combine Google search customization with tools like AI Grant Finder and Application Writer to locate EU startup funding opportunities and even draft your grant application.
Top Startup News Sources You Should Add
Personalization works best when you select impactful sources. Here are our recommendations for startup-focused news sites:
1. PlayPal by Fe/male Switch
Learn more about PlayPal, an AI Friend developed by Fe/male Switch. Designed by Violetta Bonenkamp, it provides entrepreneurial advice, mental wellness support, and innovative solutions tailored to startup founders.
2. TechCrunch
TechCrunch's startup section consistently delivers insights into funding rounds, industry innovations, and global trends.
3. EU Startups
EU Startups focuses on entrepreneurship within Europe, offering news, interviews, and opportunities for founders.
4. Neowin
Neowin's innovation stories provide a broader view of tech advancements influencing startups.
5. Inc. Magazine
Inc. Magazine explores leadership lessons, startup success stories, and strategic advice for business owners.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Customizing Google’s Search Feature
To make the most out of this feature, entrepreneurs must steer clear of common errors:
- Selecting Low-Quality Sources: Prioritize reliable and trustworthy platforms for professional insights. Avoid bias-heavy websites.
- Overlooking Diverse Perspectives: Ensure your chosen sources offer a mix of global perspectives to avoid limiting your strategic outlook.
- Neglecting Updates: Customization preferences should adapt as your business evolves or your industrial niche shifts.
Deep Insights for Entrepreneurs
Google’s emphasis on personalization aligns with the rising demand for curated digital experiences among professionals. For startup founders, this means faster access to information crucial for strategic decisions, whether it's preparing for investor meetings, gathering industry insights, or forecasting market trends.
Take Violetta Bonenkamp’s Fe/male Switch initiative as an example. Her platform gamifies the entrepreneurial journey, nurturing startups globally while empowering women in STEM. Tools like AI Startup Lawyer, and PlayPal use cutting-edge AI technology to simplify legal documents and foster better decision-making, making Bonenkamp’s vision of multidisciplinary innovation a reality.
Leveraging Grants with AI Grant Finder
Meanwhile, EU funding opportunities are often underutilized by startups due to complexity. Here's how to integrate Google's customization with tools like F/MS AI Grant Finder:
- Search for reliable resources on startup funding using Preferred Sources.
- Use the AI Grant Finder to identify EU grants applicable to your project.
- Generate a draft application with the Grant Writer tool, aligning your narrative to grant requirements, saving time and resources while increasing application success.
Conclusion and Takeaway Tips
Google’s Preferred Sources feature in 2025 is poised to redefine the search experience for startup founders and entrepreneurs seeking curated, actionable insights. By selecting the right sources and optimizing customization, users can unlock faster strategic decision-making while avoiding common pitfalls.
As you explore tools like PlayPal and F/MS AI Grant Finder, remember to leverage Google’s personalization to accelerate your startup’s growth. After all, better tools lead to smarter, faster outcomes. Ready to build your future? Start today!
Resources to Explore
- Fe/male Switch Startup Game Videos: Essential startup tips for settling in the EU or launching globally.
FAQ
1. What is Google’s Preferred Sources search feature?
Google’s Preferred Sources allows users to choose favorite news sites, emphasizing stories from those sources in the Top Stories section. Learn about Google Preferred Sources
2. When was the Preferred Sources feature launched?
The feature was officially launched on August 12, 2025, for English-language searches in the U.S. and India. View Google’s announcement
3. How can users enable Preferred Sources in Google Search?
Tap the star icon beside the Top Stories header in the search results, then search and select preferred sources. Learn how to enable Preferred Sources
4. What is the “From your sources” section in Google’s search results?
The “From your sources” section displays articles exclusively from sites users have selected as preferred sources, appearing beneath the Top Stories section. Explore the feature in detail
5. Why is Google offering personalized news search features now?
This move aligns with growing demand for customization and curated information, giving users more control over their digital experience. Check Google’s customization tips
6. Who benefits most from the Preferred Sources feature?
Entrepreneurs, startup founders, and professionals can use this feature to quickly locate reliable industry insights and news.
7. What are the biggest mistakes users make when customizing Preferred Sources?
Selecting biased or low-quality sources and failing to update selected preferences regularly are two common pitfalls.
8. Can users combine Google search personalization with other tools for entrepreneurs?
Yes, users can use this alongside tools like the AI Grant Finder to locate and apply for EU funding more efficiently. Explore AI Grant Finder
9. Which are some prominent startup-focused news sources to consider?
Recommended sources include TechCrunch, EU Startups, Fe/male Switch, and Inc. Magazine. Learn about PlayPal by Fe/male Switch
10. How can the Preferred Sources feature impact digital strategy?
By prioritizing tailored data, businesses can improve decision-making for investor meetings, market forecasts, or industry research. Discover Google’s personalization impacts
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.
