With intense competition and high failure rates, startups can no longer rely on technology alone to stand out. Credibility and industry expertise are now key differentiators. At Localogy 25, Karla Jo Helms will unveil Anti-PR strategies that help startups control their narrative, build influence, and secure long-term success in a shifting market.
TAMPA BAY, Fla., March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — With more than 3.5 million ventures, the U.S. leads the world in startup activity, but in a crowded market, the competition is fierce: 20% of new businesses fail within the first year. (1-2) This makes securing funding particularly challenging, and technological advancement alone no longer provides an edge. According to a recent report by Gartner, enterprise buyers consider trustworthiness and industry knowledge the biggest differentiators. (3) “Startups can’t afford to rely on hype—credibility is the new currency. Investors, customers, and partners are looking for value,” explains Karla Jo Helms (KJ), Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. “The companies that survive—the ones that change the world—aren’t just the best innovators, they’re the ones who control their own narrative and build undeniable influence.”
“Success in 2025 requires more than just brand awareness—it demands differentiation, resilience, and a proactive approach to reputation management” — Karla Jo Helms (KJ), Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™
To dive deep into these issues, Helms will present at Localogy 25 (L25) on Sunday, March 23rd, at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Her session, “Anti-PR: The New Playbook for Controlling Your Narrative and Winning Market Domination,” will provide actionable insights for entrepreneurs navigating today’s competitive landscape.
The Key Challenges Holding Tech Startups Back in 2025
Tech Talent War: The growing demand for specialized technology roles has intensified the talent war, with startups struggling against Big Tech corporations that offer higher salaries, and robust benefits. Deloitte’s 2025 technology industry outlook highlights that tech providers face the “build-or-buy” dilemma as developer talent remains scarce. (4) While some companies may turn to acquisitions to secure specialized expertise, startups often lack the resources to do the same.Partnership Pitfalls: Tech partnerships offer startups a pathway to accelerated growth, providing access to industry expertise, expanded customer bases, and enhanced product capabilities. However, as competition intensifies, enterprises are becoming more selective, carefully evaluating startups. As industry experts warn, developing products around short-lived trends can lead to major setbacks. Without well-defined collaboration agreements, startups risk having their ideas absorbed, rebranded, or sidelined by bigger players. (5)Risk Management Blind Spots: Startups often overlook risk management in their early stages, focusing on speed over security. But in 2025, enterprise buyers are demanding proof of compliance, regulatory readiness, and operational resilience. Without a solid risk mitigation strategy, startups risk losing deals and damaging their credibility.
The Anti-PR Advantage: How Startups Can Win in 2025
In this evolving landscape, startups need more than traditional PR to succeed. JOTO PR’s Anti-PR approach offers strategies rooted in transparency and credibility, helping companies navigate scrutiny, stand out from competitors, and establish themselves as reliable, long-term players in their industries. “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?” emphasizes Helms.
At L25, Helms will break down five key strategies to help businesses take charge of their narrative and gain consistent third-party credibility:
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 companies turning PR battles into market dominance.
Beyond messaging, Anti-PR helps startups navigate risk and protect their long-term interests. Whether it’s securing value-driven partnerships that align with company goals or tailoring crisis communication to different audiences, Anti-PR ensures that startups maintain trust even in times of uncertainty. “Success in 2025 requires more than just brand awareness—it demands differentiation, resilience, and a proactive approach to reputation management,” concludes Helms.
About JOTO PR Disruptors™
Founded by PR veteran Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR Disruptors™ emerged from extensive market research with CEOs of fast-growth companies. The agency combines crisis management skills with advanced media algorithms to develop Anti-PR® campaigns. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, JOTO PR is globally recognized for its innovative Anti-PR services. More information is available at http://www.jotopr.com/.
About Karla Jo Helms
Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™.
She learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line—and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill back into the good graces of public opinion. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception.
References:
1. Mohammadi.L, Naiyer. (2024). Overview of Startups Developing Artificial Intelligence for the Energy Sector. Applied Sciences. 14. 8294. 10.3390/app14188294.
2. Howarth, Josh. “What Percentage of Startups Fail? 80+ Statistics (2022).” Exploding Topics, 3 Nov. 2023, explodingtopics.com/blog/startup-failure-stats.
3. Zimmerhans, Sabine. “3 Trends Startup CEOs Should Know about in 2025 | Gartner.” Gartner, 2025, gartner.com/en/articles/2025-trends-for-startup-ceos.
4. Fineberg, Steve, et al. “2025 Technology Industry Outlook.” Deloitte Insights, Deloitte, 10 Feb. 2025, deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/technology-media-telecom-outlooks/technology-industry-outlook.html.
5. Bradbury, Rosie. “3 Charts: The US Has More Startups than VCs Can Support.” PitchBook, 15 Apr. 2024, pitchbook.com/news/articles/venture-capital-trends-charts-q1-2024.
Media Contact
Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@jotopr.com, jotopr.com
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SOURCE JOTO PR™
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