12 Unique Business Ideas That Will Make Your Competitors Jealous (And Your Bank Account Happy)

The Million-Dollar Question Every Entrepreneur Asks

Here's a truth bomb that will make traditional business advisors uncomfortable: The most profitable businesses today aren't the ones following conventional wisdom.

While everyone else is opening another coffee shop or consulting agency, smart entrepreneurs are building businesses that didn't exist five years ago. They're leveraging technology, sustainability trends, and changing consumer behaviors to create opportunities that traditional competitors can't even see coming.

I'm Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, and I've spent the last decade building multiple startups from zero to millions in revenue without major funding. I've made every mistake possible, discovered what actually works, and helped thousands of entrepreneurs through my Fe/male Switch platform validate their ideas and build successful businesses.

Today, I'm sharing 12 business ideas that are generating serious revenue for entrepreneurs who had the courage to think differently. These aren't your typical "start a blog" suggestions. These are real, tested business models that are working right now in 2025.

What makes these ideas different? Each one addresses a specific market gap, leverages emerging trends, and can be started without traditional business loans or investor funding. Most importantly, they're designed to be future-proof against automation and economic uncertainty.

Great business ideas are everywhere! You just need to find one that is perfect for you, validate it and start building your business.

👉 Find the best business ideas

Why 2025 Is the Perfect Storm for Unconventional Businesses

The business landscape has shifted dramatically in the past few years. Remote work became mainstream. AI tools became accessible. Sustainability became non-negotiable. And consumers became more willing to pay premium prices for personalized, authentic experiences.

According to recent EU startup ecosystem data, 73% of successful startups launched in 2024 were addressing problems that didn't exist before 2020. The entrepreneurs who spotted these emerging trends early are now reaping the rewards.

Here's what the data reveals about today's business environment:

Digital-first businesses have 40% lower startup costs than traditional brick-and-mortar ventures
Sustainability-focused companies command 23% higher profit margins
AI-enhanced services can scale 5x faster than traditional service businesses
Niche marketplaces have 67% less competition than broad market approaches

The question isn't whether there are opportunities available. The question is whether you'll act on them before they become saturated.

12 Business Ideas That Are Quietly Making Entrepreneurs Rich

1. AI-Powered Personal Brand Consulting for Executives

The Opportunity: Senior executives desperately need personal brands but lack the time and expertise to build them effectively.

Why It Works: With LinkedIn reporting that executives with strong personal brands generate 50% more revenue for their companies, demand for this service is exploding.

Implementation Strategy:

Start by creating content frameworks for different executive personality types
Develop AI-powered tools that can draft LinkedIn posts in their voice
Offer "done-with-you" services where you guide them through the process
Create templates for common executive communication scenarios

Revenue Potential: $5,000-15,000 per client for 3-month engagements
Startup Investment: $2,000-5,000 for AI tools and content creation software
Target Market: C-level executives, VP-level professionals, thought leaders

Success Example: Sarah Chen started this business in Amsterdam and now works with 12 Fortune 500 executives, generating €180,000 annually while working 25 hours per week.

2. Micro-Learning Platforms for Specific Industries

The Opportunity: Professionals need continuous learning but don't have time for lengthy courses.

Why It Works: The microlearning market is projected to reach $4.6 billion by 2026, with healthcare, finance, and tech leading demand.

Implementation Strategy:

Choose one specific industry (e.g., dental offices, law firms, accounting practices)
Create 5-minute video lessons addressing daily challenges
Use platforms like Thinkific or Teachable for delivery
Partner with industry associations for credibility and distribution

Revenue Model:

Monthly subscriptions: €29-99 per professional
Corporate licenses: €1,000-5,000 per company
Certification programs: €299-599 per participant

Startup Investment: €3,000-8,000 for content creation and platform setup
Time to Profitability: 6-12 months

Insider Tip: Focus on compliance training first - it's recession-proof and has mandatory renewal cycles.

3. Sustainable Packaging Design-as-a-Service

The Opportunity: E-commerce businesses need sustainable packaging but lack design expertise.

Why It Works: EU regulations are forcing businesses to adopt sustainable packaging, creating a compliance-driven market worth €2.3 billion.

Implementation Strategy:

Partner with sustainable material suppliers
Create standardized packaging solutions for common product categories
Offer complete service: design, sourcing, and fulfillment coordination
Focus on small-to-medium e-commerce businesses initially

Revenue Streams:

Design fees: €500-2,000 per project
Material markup: 15-25% on supply costs
Ongoing optimization consulting: €1,000-3,000 monthly

Success Metrics: Clients typically see 30-50% reduction in packaging costs and 80% improvement in brand perception.

Startup Investment: €5,000-12,000 for design software, material samples, and initial inventory

4. Virtual Interior Design for Remote Workers

The Opportunity: Remote workers want productive, aesthetically pleasing home offices but don't know how to create them.

Why It Works: With 42% of the workforce now working remotely at least part-time, the market for home office optimization is massive and underserved.

Implementation Approach:

Use AR apps like IKEA Place or Houzz for virtual consultations
Create productivity-focused design packages (lighting, ergonomics, acoustics)
Offer "Done-for-You" shopping lists with affiliate partnerships
Develop subscription service for seasonal refreshes

Pricing Structure:

Basic consultation: €150-300
Complete design package: €800-2,500
Implementation support: €1,200-3,500
Monthly refresh subscription: €49-99

Target Clients: Remote executives, freelancers, digital nomads, home-based entrepreneurs

Competitive Advantage: Unlike traditional interior designers, you understand the unique challenges of working from home and can optimize for productivity, not just aesthetics.

5. Specialized Dating App Development for Niche Communities

The Opportunity: Mainstream dating apps don't serve specialized communities effectively.

Why It Works: Niche dating apps have higher engagement rates and user retention than broad-market alternatives.

Promising Niches:

Professional networking + dating for specific industries
Sustainable lifestyle enthusiasts
Digital nomads and location-independent professionals
Specific hobby communities (rock climbing, sailing, book clubs)
Cultural or linguistic communities

Technical Implementation:

Use no-code platforms like Bubble or Adalo for MVP development
Partner with existing community leaders for user acquisition
Focus on safety features and community moderation
Implement freemium model with premium matching features

Revenue Potential:

Monthly subscriptions: €9.99-29.99
Premium features: €2.99-9.99 one-time
Event monetization: €15-50 per ticket
Corporate partnerships: €1,000-10,000 monthly

Success Story: Coffee Meets Bagel started as a niche app and was valued at $150 million by focusing on quality over quantity.

6. Corporate Wellness Program Design for Hybrid Teams

The Opportunity: Companies with hybrid teams struggle to maintain culture and employee wellness.

Why It Works: Corporate wellness spending is expected to reach $18.6 billion by 2026, driven by retention concerns and productivity optimization.

Service Offerings:

Virtual team building experiences using VR or AR
Personalized wellness challenges based on individual health data
Mental health support integration with productivity tools
Cross-cultural wellness programs for international teams

Implementation Strategy:

Start with pilot programs for 3-5 companies
Develop measurable KPIs (retention rates, productivity scores, satisfaction surveys)
Create scalable delivery systems using existing wellness platforms
Build partnerships with HR technology companies

Pricing Models:

Per-employee monthly fee: €15-45
Program design fee: €5,000-25,000
Ongoing management: €2,000-8,000 monthly
Custom integration development: €10,000-50,000

Target Market: Tech companies, consulting firms, financial services, any organization with 50+ remote/hybrid employees

7. Personalized Nutrition Planning Using Genetic Data

The Opportunity: Generic nutrition advice doesn't work for individual genetic variations and lifestyle factors.

Why It Works: The personalized nutrition market is growing at 15.2% annually, driven by consumer demand for scientific, customized health solutions.

Business Model:

Partner with genetic testing companies for data integration
Develop AI algorithms to interpret genetic markers and lifestyle factors
Create subscription-based meal planning and supplement recommendations
Offer integration with popular fitness and food tracking apps

Revenue Streams:

Initial genetic analysis and plan: €299-599
Monthly personalized meal plans: €49-99
Custom supplement formulations: €89-199
Corporate wellness partnerships: €15-30 per employee monthly

Startup Requirements:

Partnerships with accredited labs and genetic testing companies
Nutritionist and geneticist consultants
AI development or partnership with existing platforms
Regulatory compliance expertise

Competitive Advantage: Focus on specific demographics (athletes, women over 40, autoimmune conditions) rather than trying to serve everyone.

8. Smart Contract Legal Services for Small Businesses

The Opportunity: Small businesses need legal protection but can't afford traditional lawyer fees for routine contracts.

Why It Works: Blockchain adoption in business is accelerating, but most SMBs lack the technical knowledge to implement smart contracts safely.

Service Framework:

Pre-built smart contract templates for common business needs
Legal review and customization services
Implementation support and training
Ongoing compliance monitoring and updates

Target Use Cases:

Freelancer payment protection
Supplier agreement automation
Intellectual property licensing
Subscription service management
Partnership agreements with automatic profit distribution

Pricing Structure:

Template contracts: €99-499
Custom development: €1,500-5,000
Implementation consulting: €150-300 per hour
Monthly monitoring: €199-599

Success Prerequisites: Legal background, blockchain technical knowledge, or strong partnerships with experts in both areas.

9. Elderly Care Technology Solutions

The Opportunity: Aging populations need technology solutions, but most tech is designed for younger users.

Why It Works: The elderly care technology market will reach $109 billion by 2027, driven by demographic shifts and family caregiving challenges.

Solution Categories:

Simplified video calling systems for family communication
Medication management with IoT integration
Emergency response systems with AI-powered health monitoring
Social connection platforms designed for older adults
Home automation systems with accessibility features

Business Approaches:

B2B sales to assisted living facilities
Direct-to-consumer through adult children
Insurance partnership programs
Healthcare provider integration

Revenue Models:

Hardware sales with ongoing service fees
Monthly subscription for monitoring services
One-time setup and training fees
Insurance reimbursement programs

Key Success Factors: User experience design specifically for older adults, family member involvement in decision-making, strong customer support, healthcare compliance knowledge.

10. Specialized E-commerce Marketplaces for Professional Communities

The Opportunity: Professional communities have specific product needs that general marketplaces don't serve well.

Why It Works: Niche marketplaces can charge higher fees and achieve better customer retention than broad-market platforms.

Promising Verticals:

Equipment and supplies for veterinary practices
Specialized tools for craft breweries
Professional-grade art supplies for digital artists
Scientific equipment for independent researchers
Sustainable materials for eco-conscious manufacturers

Implementation Strategy:

Start with one specific professional community you understand
Focus on hard-to-find or specialized products
Provide expert content and educational resources
Build strong relationships with suppliers
Offer professional services alongside products

Revenue Sources:

Marketplace fees: 5-15% of transactions
Subscription fees for premium seller features
Advertising from relevant service providers
Affiliate partnerships with complementary businesses
Educational content and certification programs

Startup Investment: €10,000-25,000 for platform development, initial inventory, and marketing

11. Circular Economy Consulting for Mid-Size Manufacturers

The Opportunity: Manufacturing companies need to implement circular economy principles but lack internal expertise.

Why It Works: EU regulations are driving mandatory circular economy adoption, creating a compliance-driven market worth billions.

Service Offerings:

Waste stream analysis and optimization
Supply chain redesign for circularity
Product lifecycle extension strategies
Partnership development with recycling and remanufacturing companies
Compliance documentation and reporting

Implementation Approach:

Start with pilot projects measuring waste reduction and cost savings
Develop industry-specific methodologies
Build network of certified recycling and remanufacturing partners
Create measurement frameworks for circular economy KPIs

Pricing Model:

Initial assessment: €5,000-15,000
Implementation consulting: €150-300 per hour
Ongoing optimization: €3,000-10,000 monthly
Training programs: €2,000-8,000 per session

Target Market: Manufacturing companies with €10-500 million annual revenue, particularly in packaging, textiles, electronics, and automotive supplies.

12. AI-Powered Content Localization for Global Businesses

The Opportunity: Companies expanding globally need culturally appropriate content, not just translations.

Why It Works: The content localization market is growing at 6.7% annually, driven by global e-commerce expansion and content marketing needs.

Service Components:

Cultural adaptation of marketing materials
Local SEO optimization for different markets
Social media content strategy for specific regions
Legal and compliance content review
Brand voice adaptation for different cultures

Technology Integration:

AI-powered translation with human cultural review
Local market research automation
Performance tracking across different regions
Content management systems for global teams

Revenue Model:

Project-based content localization: €2,000-20,000
Monthly content creation and optimization: €5,000-25,000
Performance-based pricing tied to market penetration
Technology licensing to other agencies

Competitive Advantage: Combine AI efficiency with deep cultural expertise, focusing on business results rather than just linguistic accuracy.

The Implementation Framework That Actually Works

Most business advice stops at the idea stage. Here's your step-by-step action plan:

Phase 1: Validation (Weeks 1-4)

Week 1: Market Research Deep Dive

Identify 10 potential customers in your chosen market
Conduct 30-minute problem-discovery interviews
Document specific pain points and current solutions
Analyze competitor pricing and service gaps

Week 2: Solution Design

Create a minimal viable service offering
Design your unique value proposition
Develop basic pricing structure
Create simple service delivery process

Week 3: MVP Development

Build basic landing page using Carrd or Webflow
Set up payment processing with Stripe
Create service delivery templates
Establish basic client communication systems

Week 4: Pre-Launch Testing

Offer free pilots to 3-5 potential customers
Gather detailed feedback on service delivery
Refine pricing based on perceived value
Document case studies and testimonials

Phase 2: Launch (Weeks 5-12)

Revenue Target: €3,000-10,000 in first 8 weeks
Customer Target: 5-15 paying customers
Key Focus: Service delivery excellence and customer success stories

Marketing Strategy:

LinkedIn content marketing targeting your specific professional community
Direct outreach to warm network connections
Strategic partnerships with complementary service providers
Guest content on industry-specific publications

Operational Setup:

Client onboarding process automation
Service delivery standardization
Quality control systems
Customer feedback collection

Phase 3: Scale (Months 4-12)

Revenue Target: €15,000-50,000 monthly recurring revenue
Team Target: 1-3 additional team members or contractors
Key Focus: Systems optimization and market expansion

Growth Strategies:

Referral program development
Service line expansion based on customer requests
Geographic market expansion
Strategic partnership development

Insider Secrets That Separate Winners from Dreamers

The "Ugly First Customer" Principle

Your first customers won't be perfect. They'll have unique requirements, pay less than your ideal rate, and require more hand-holding than you'd like. This is exactly what you want.

These "ugly first customers" teach you things that no amount of market research can reveal:

What parts of your service delivery actually create value
Which communication methods work best for your market
How to price based on results rather than time
What additional services customers actually need

Don't wait for the "perfect" customer. Start with whoever is willing to pay you to solve their problem.

The "Service-First, Scale-Later" Strategy

Most entrepreneurs try to build scalable systems before they understand what really works. This leads to over-engineering solutions for problems that don't exist.

Instead, follow this sequence:

Manually deliver your service to the first 10 customers
Document every step and identify repetitive tasks
Systematize only the parts that are proven to create value
Hire people before you buy software
Automate only after you've perfected the human process

This approach costs less, reduces risk, and ensures you're building systems that actually improve your business.

The "Expertise Transfer" Model

You don't need to be the world's leading expert in your chosen field. You just need to be one step ahead of your customers and excellent at transferring knowledge.

Here's how this works in practice:

Choose a field where you have 70% of the knowledge needed
Commit to learning the remaining 30% from recognized experts
Document your learning process as you go
Teach others while you're learning (this reinforces your own knowledge)
Position yourself as a "translator" who makes expert knowledge accessible

This approach is particularly effective for technical services where customers need someone who understands both the technical aspects and their business challenges.

7 Deadly Mistakes That Kill Promising Businesses

Mistake #1: Building Features Instead of Solving Problems

What It Looks Like: Spending months perfecting your service offering before talking to customers.

Why It Kills Businesses: You end up solving problems that don't exist or aren't painful enough for people to pay for solutions.

The Fix: Start conversations with "What's your biggest challenge with [relevant area]?" instead of "Let me tell you about my solution."

Mistake #2: Underpricing to Win Customers

What It Looks Like: Setting prices based on what you think people will pay rather than the value you create.

Why It Kills Businesses: Low prices attract price-sensitive customers who don't value your work and are impossible to satisfy.

The Fix: Price based on the economic value you create. If you save a client €10,000 annually, charging €2,000 is a bargain for them and profitable for you.

Mistake #3: Trying to Serve Everyone

What It Looks Like: Marketing your service as suitable for "all businesses" or "anyone who needs [your service]."

Why It Kills Businesses: Generic positioning makes you invisible to specific customer segments who would pay premium prices.

The Fix: Choose the smallest viable market that can sustain your business. It's easier to expand from a strong position than to establish credibility in a broad market.

Mistake #4: Neglecting Legal and Compliance Issues

What It Looks Like: Starting operations without proper contracts, insurance, or regulatory compliance.

Why It Kills Businesses: One legal issue can wipe out months of profits and destroy your reputation.

The Fix: Invest in proper legal foundation early. Use platforms like LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer for basic documents, but consult specialists for industry-specific requirements.

Mistake #5: Cash Flow Mismanagement

What It Looks Like: Taking on projects that require significant upfront work before payment.

Why It Kills Businesses: Growing businesses often fail due to cash flow problems, not lack of customers.

The Fix: Require deposits for all work, invoice immediately upon delivery, and maintain 3-6 months of operating expenses in reserve.

Mistake #6: Scaling Too Quickly

What It Looks Like: Hiring employees or expanding services before you've perfected your core offering.

Why It Kills Businesses: Fixed costs grow faster than revenue, creating financial pressure that forces poor decisions.

The Fix: Focus on increasing profit per customer before increasing number of customers. Perfect your delivery process with contractors before hiring employees.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Customer Success Metrics

What It Looks Like: Measuring success by your own metrics (revenue, profit) instead of customer results.

Why It Kills Businesses: Customers who don't achieve results stop buying and don't provide referrals.

The Fix: Define success metrics with each customer upfront and track them religiously. Your business grows when your customers succeed.

The Financial Reality Check: What to Expect Month by Month

Months 1-3: The Foundation Phase

Revenue: €0-3,000 total
Expenses: €500-2,000 monthly
Time Investment: 30-50 hours per week
Key Activities: Customer development, service refinement, initial sales

Realistic Expectations: You'll work more hours for less money than your previous job. This is normal and temporary if you're building something sustainable.

Months 4-6: The Traction Phase

Revenue: €2,000-8,000 monthly
Expenses: €1,000-3,000 monthly
Time Investment: 40-60 hours per week
Key Activities: Service delivery optimization, team building, marketing systematization

Realistic Expectations: You'll have more work than you can handle personally. This is when you start building systems and getting help.

Months 7-12: The Growth Phase

Revenue: €5,000-25,000 monthly
Expenses: €2,000-12,000 monthly
Time Investment: 35-50 hours per week (focusing on higher-value activities)
Key Activities: Team management, strategic partnerships, market expansion

Realistic Expectations: Your role shifts from doing the work to managing people who do the work. This requires different skills and can be frustrating initially.

Years 2-3: The Scaling Phase

Revenue: €15,000-100,000+ monthly
Expenses: €8,000-50,000+ monthly
Time Investment: 30-45 hours per week (more strategic focus)
Key Activities: Market expansion, acquisition opportunities, system optimization

Realistic Expectations: You'll face completely different challenges around team management, market positioning, and strategic planning.

Your Next Steps: The 48-Hour Action Plan

Don't let this become another article you read and forget. Here's exactly what to do in the next 48 hours:

Hour 1-2: Choose Your Focus

Review the 12 business ideas above
Select the ONE idea that best matches your skills, interests, and market opportunity
Write a one-paragraph description of why this idea appeals to you

Hour 3-6: Market Research Sprint

Identify 20 potential customers for your chosen idea
Find 5 competitors or similar service providers
Research pricing for comparable services
Document 3 specific problems your target market faces

Hour 7-12: Customer Discovery

Contact 5 potential customers for 15-minute problem discovery calls
Ask about their current challenges and solutions
Don't pitch your idea - just listen and learn
Document their exact words when describing problems

Hour 13-24: Solution Design

Based on customer feedback, design your minimum viable service
Create a simple service description (one page maximum)
Develop basic pricing structure
Write a compelling value proposition

Hour 25-36: MVP Creation

Build a simple landing page describing your service
Set up basic payment processing
Create client intake form
Develop service delivery checklist

Hour 37-48: Launch Preparation

Write LinkedIn posts about problems you solve
Reach out to 10 potential customers with soft pitch
Set up tracking for key metrics (inquiries, consultations, sales)
Schedule follow-up activities for the next week

Remember: The goal isn't perfection. The goal is starting conversations with potential customers and learning what they actually need.

Bonus ideas to explore

Affiliate blog around sustainable living products

Explore this cool business idea about an affiliate blog on sustainable living products.

Blogs that monetize through affiliate marketing

Discover how to build successful blogs that monetize through affiliate marketing.

Building a community platform for women in tech

Discover how to build a thriving community platform for women in tech.

Affiliate marketing through personalized niche blogs

Learn how to monetize your passions through personalized niche blogs and thrive in affiliate marketing.

Building a library of DIY home renovation guides

Unlock your potential with our DIY home renovation guides!

Building a marketplace for handmade clothing items

Discover innovative Female Business Ideas with a curated marketplace for handmade clothing.

Building a niche site for digital wellness products

Explore Female Business Ideas by creating a niche site for digital wellness products. Help customers choose tools that enhance mental and physical health.

Building a platform for hosting virtual panels and discussions

Explore innovative Female Business Ideas with a platform for virtual panels that boosts engagement, ideal for startups and organizations seeking connection.

Building a subscription-based online library for financial resources

Discover how to build a subscription-based online library for financial resources.

Building a resource hub for remote work tips and tools

Unlock essential tips and tools for remote work in our hub designed for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my chosen business idea will actually work?

The only way to know if a business idea will work is to test it with real customers willing to pay real money. Start with a simple version of your service, charge for it from day one, and iterate based on customer feedback. Ideas that sound great in theory often fail in practice, while seemingly boring ideas can be incredibly profitable.

What's the minimum amount of money I need to start one of these businesses?

Most of these business ideas can be started with €1,000-5,000 in initial investment. The key is to start with manual service delivery before building expensive systems. Your biggest investments should be in learning (courses, books, mentors) and basic tools (software subscriptions, simple website). Avoid spending money on things that don't directly contribute to finding and serving customers.

How do I compete with established companies in these markets?

Don't try to compete with established companies on their terms. Instead, focus on underserved segments they ignore, provide more personalized service, or solve problems they don't address. Large companies move slowly and can't customize their offerings for specific niches. Your advantage is speed, flexibility, and deep specialization.

Should I quit my job to start one of these businesses?

No, start your business while keeping your current job. Use evenings and weekends to build and test your service. Only consider quitting your job when your business is generating at least 50% of your current salary consistently for 3+ months. This approach reduces financial pressure and gives you time to build systems properly.

How long does it typically take to see significant revenue?

Most service-based businesses can generate their first €1,000 within 30-60 days if you focus on customer development and sales from day one. Reaching €5,000+ monthly revenue typically takes 6-12 months of consistent effort. The timeline depends more on your sales and marketing activities than the specific business idea.

What if I don't have experience in the industry I want to serve?

You don't need to be an industry expert initially, but you need to commit to learning quickly. Start by solving problems for industries where you have some relevant knowledge or connections. Then invest heavily in understanding your customers' specific challenges. Often, an outsider's perspective can lead to innovative solutions that industry insiders miss.

How do I price my services competitively?

Price based on value created, not time spent. Research what your customers currently spend on alternative solutions (including the cost of not solving the problem). Start with lower prices to gather testimonials and case studies, then increase prices as you prove value. Most entrepreneurs underprice their services - it's usually safer to price too high than too low.

What legal considerations do I need to address?

At minimum, you need proper business registration, basic liability insurance, and clear service contracts. Requirements vary by country and industry, so consult with a local business attorney. Don't let legal concerns prevent you from starting, but address them before you scale significantly. Many issues can be handled with standard templates initially.

How do I find my first customers?

Start with your existing network - colleagues, friends, social media connections. Be specific about the problems you solve and ask for introductions to relevant people. LinkedIn is particularly effective for B2B services. Content marketing and direct outreach work better than paid advertising for most service businesses. Focus on having conversations rather than making sales pitches.

What should I do if my chosen business idea isn't working after 3 months?

First, determine whether the problem is with your idea, your execution, or your target market. Are people interested but not buying? The issue might be pricing or positioning. Are people not interested at all? You might need to pivot to a different problem or market. Are people buying but not getting results? Focus on improving service delivery. Don't abandon an idea too quickly, but don't persist with something that clearly isn't working.

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 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.

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, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.

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 the 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.

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:

5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
1,000 unique business ideas for women created

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.