With over 3.5 million startups, the U.S. leads the world in entrepreneurship, yet 20% of new businesses fail within their first year. As funding grows more competitive, credibility—not just innovation—is the key to survival. According to Gartner, enterprise buyers now prioritize trustworthiness and industry expertise over cutting-edge tech alone.

Karla Jo Helms (KJ), Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist at JOTO PR Disruptors™, argues that the most successful startups don’t just innovate—they control their narrative and build undeniable influence. At Localogy 25 (L25) on March 23rd at Ohio State University, Helms will present:

“Anti-PR: The New Playbook for Controlling Your Narrative and Winning Market Domination.”

Her session will provide founders, investors, and startup leaders with actionable insights into navigating today’s competitive landscape.

Challenges Holding Tech Startups Back in 2025

1. The Tech Talent War

• Startups struggle to attract top talent due to Big Tech’s competitive salaries and benefits.
• Deloitte’s 2025 tech outlook highlights the "build-or-buy" dilemma, where larger companies acquire startups for talent, leaving smaller ventures without the resources to compete.

2. Partnership Pitfalls

• Strategic partnerships can accelerate growth, but enterprises are becoming more selective in 2025.
• Short-lived trends and weak agreements can lead to startups losing their ideas to larger competitors who absorb, rebrand, or sideline innovations.

3. Risk Management Blind Spots

• Many startups prioritize speed over security, leading to compliance and regulatory gaps.
• In 2025, enterprise buyers demand proof of resilience, meaning startups without a solid risk mitigation strategy risk losing deals.

The Anti-PR Advantage: Taking Control in 2025

JOTO PR’s Anti-PR approach offers startups an alternative to traditional PR, focusing on credibility, transparency, and strategic influence.

"The reality is this—whether you choose to play the PR game or not, you're already in it. The only question is: are you in control, or is someone else pulling the strings?" — Karla Jo Helms

At Localogy 25, Helms will share five core strategies to help startups take charge of their public image and market position:

1. How traditional PR lost its way—and how to turn it to your advantage.
2. Why media isn't about truth—it's about control (and how to take it back).
3. The Anti-PR method—making your company impossible to ignore.
4. How disruptors build influence without waiting for permission.
5. Real-world success stories of startups turning PR battles into market dominance.

Why Anti-PR Matters for Startups

Beyond messaging, Anti-PR helps startups:
Navigate risk and protect their long-term interests
Secure high-value partnerships aligned with their mission
Tailor crisis communication to different audiences
Differentiate themselves in a saturated market

"Success in 2025 requires more than just brand awareness—it demands differentiation, resilience, and a proactive approach to reputation management." — Helms

Startups that master credibility, trust, and influence will be the ones that thrive in 2025 and beyond.