In an evolving landscape of tech competition and innovation, 2025 is marked by another heated dispute: Elon Musk has accused Apple of favoring OpenAI over competitors like his own AI company, xAI, in its App Store rankings. Apple, however, dismissed these claims, asserting that its platform is objective, transparent, and fair. For entrepreneurs and startup founders, this case provides valuable insights into navigating competitive marketplaces, especially in AI and tech-driven industries.
The Apple vs. Musk Controversy: Key Highlights
Background
- In August 2025, Elon Musk alleged that Apple's App Store rankings were biased in favor of OpenAI's ChatGPT app, claiming this violated antitrust regulations.
- Musk went further, threatening to sue Apple through his AI company, xAI, for allegedly stifling competition and favoring Microsoft's backed OpenAI.
Apple's Response
- Apple rejected Musk's allegations, stating that its App Store listings are governed by user engagement, expert curation, and algorithmic objectivity.
- Rival AI apps, including Perplexity and DeepSeek, have previously topped App Store charts, disproving claims of exclusivity.
For startup founders, this situation underscores the importance of understanding platform dynamics and fostering unique strategies to stand out without relying solely on external rankings.
Lessons for Startup Founders: Fighting to Stand Out
1. Diversify Platforms
In a market dominated by centralized app stores like Apple's and Google's, startups should explore alternative platforms to distribute their apps. Developing web applications, using niche marketplaces, or leveraging open-source communities can offer viable avenues.
2. Market Insight and Differentiation
Be clear about your value proposition. As the AI space becomes increasingly crowded, startups need to offer innovative features or focus on underserved niches. For example, PlayPal, a conversational AI friend launched by Fe/male Switch, has differentiated itself by providing emotional support, mental health guidance, and tailored advice. You can learn more about its features by visiting PlayPal.
3. Grant Opportunities for Tech Startups
Funding remains a critical challenge for startups aiming to scale operations and secure visibility. Entrepreneurs in Europe can access a range of grants with tools like the F/MS AI Grant Finder and Application Writer, which matches startups with appropriate EU funding options and drafts application proposals. This tool eliminates the complexity of finding grants and ensures you don't miss out on vital opportunities. Entrepreneurs can explore this option at EU Funding Grants for Startups.
Top AI Startups to Watch in 2025
As competition heats up in the AI industry, here’s a list of innovative companies making waves:
1. PlayPal (Founded by Violetta Bonenkamp)
PlayPal stands out as an AI companion designed for personal and professional support, offering users tailored conversations and assistance, whether they need relationship advice or help with their fitness goals. Check out more on PlayPal.
2. DeepSeek
A fast-growing competitor in the AI space, DeepSeek specializes in advanced search-related algorithms tailored for industry-specific queries.
3. Anthropic
Anthropic is renowned for its commitment to ethical AI, focusing on creating systems that prioritize user safety and value alignment.
4. Perplexity
Perplexity continues to revolutionize chatbot integration, offering highly conversational AI solutions with broad-scale applications.
These examples highlight how startups in the AI space are addressing specific user pain points while competing for visibility against giants like OpenAI.
How to Succeed in Competitive Markets
Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs
- Conduct Market Research: Use platforms like F/MS Startup Game to validate ideas in the early stages. The Sandbox feature, which integrates PlayPal, allows you to test the viability of your startup concepts before committing resources.
- Polish Your Pitch: Present a clear, compelling business case to investors, perfect for platforms like Fe/male Switch’s startup simulator.
- Network Smartly: Build meaningful connections with partners, mentors, and investors. Tools like the AI Startup Lawyer can help you navigate legal agreements with accelerators and investors effectively to avoid pitfalls.
- Leverage Funding Resources: Never underestimate the importance of applying for funding. Use platforms like the F/MS AI Grant Finder to identify and secure grants aligned with your startup’s mission.
- Upgrade Your Strategy Regularly: Refine your positioning using user feedback and analysis, ensuring your startup stays ahead of market demands.
Common Startup Mistakes
Mistake 1: Over-reliance on Single Platforms
Entrepreneurs often depend too much on centralized systems, such as app stores or specific marketing channels. Diversify your strategy to safeguard against fluctuations.
Mistake 2: Misunderstanding Legal Agreements
Many startups sign contractual agreements without fully understanding the risks. Platforms like AI Startup Lawyer help founders analyze agreements, identify harmful clauses, and negotiate terms confidently.
Mistake 3: Delayed Updates
Failing to adapt to new trends or technologies often puts startups at a competitive disadvantage. Regularly revisit user needs and refine your solutions accordingly.
Conclusion: Take Action Today
2025 is shaping up to be a challenging yet rewarding year for startups, especially in the AI space. Apple’s response to Elon Musk’s claims reminds entrepreneurs that success hinges on building great products and finding innovative ways to stand out, beyond app store charts or third-party validations.
Whether you’re seeking funding, refining your pitch, or validating ideas, tools like F/MS AI Grant Finder and PlayPal offer game-changing resources to help your startup thrive.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and remember: standing out is not just about being visible, it's about offering unique value to your audience.
Ready to take your startup to the next level? Explore the F/MS Startup Game Videos for expert insights, actionable advice, and lessons from global startup ecosystems:
The tools are here. The opportunities are endless. All that’s left is your determination.
FAQ
1. What were Elon Musk’s claims against Apple in 2025 regarding the App Store rankings?
Elon Musk alleged that Apple was biased toward OpenAI, favoring its ChatGPT app in App Store rankings, and claimed this was a violation of antitrust regulations. Read more about Musk's claims against Apple
2. How did Apple respond to Musk’s accusations?
Apple dismissed Musk’s allegations, stating that its App Store rankings are determined by user engagement, expert curation, and algorithmic objectivity. Learn more about Apple’s response
3. Were there other AI apps that ranked highly in Apple’s App Store?
Yes. Rival AI apps such as Perplexity and DeepSeek have previously topped the App Store charts, disproving claims of exclusivity. Explore the rise of AI apps like DeepSeek
4. What legal action did Elon Musk threaten against Apple?
Musk stated that his AI company, xAI, would take immediate legal action against Apple, accusing the company of breaching antitrust regulations. Learn more about Musk’s legal threat
5. What argument did Apple provide in its defense?
Apple asserted that the rankings on its App Store were fair and objective, guided by engagement metrics and unbiased algorithms. Read Apple’s statement
6. What external factors influence Apple’s current app store policies?
Increased legal scrutiny and antitrust investigations, including lawsuits like Epic Games v. Apple, have impacted Apple’s response to accusations. Explore how Epic Games' legal challenges reshaped Apple’s policy
7. What is Musk’s ongoing relationship with OpenAI?
Musk co-founded OpenAI but left in 2018. He has been highly critical of its direction and business relationships, including its collaboration with Apple. Learn about Musk's history with OpenAI
8. How does this dispute reflect broader AI competition trends?
The controversy highlights the intense competition in the AI space, where startups and giants vie for visibility, partnerships, and user adoption in marketplaces such as Apple’s App Store. Discover AI competitors like Perplexity and Anthropic
9. What can startup founders learn from this conflict?
Startup founders should focus on creating innovative products, diversifying distribution channels beyond app stores, and addressing underserved niches to remain competitive. Learn about strategies for AI startups
10. How can startups access funding to scale their operations?
Entrepreneurs in Europe can use resources like the F/MS AI Grant Finder to identify suitable funding opportunities and draft grant applications effectively. Explore the F/MS AI Grant Finder
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.
