In an era where technology constantly evolves, the 2025 edition of "State of the Word" reminded me of one essential lesson: community shapes innovation more than any software or hardware ever could. Having founded multiple startups and observed global tech ecosystems, this sentiment deeply resonated with me. The event not only celebrated WordPress's massive growth but also outlined a strategic direction for future technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), through the ingenuity of an open, global community.
Reflections from the Event: Why Community Redefines Success
As entrepreneurs, we know the importance of tools that solve problems. WordPress, powering 43% of the world's websites, is essential for millions. But what makes it thrive? It's the people behind the scenes, educators, coders, and volunteers, who’ve driven transformational growth through collective effort. Mary Hubbard, WordPress’s Executive Director, highlighted how fostering trust and connection within the community leads to remarkable outcomes.
One number stood out: WordPress has over 60,000 plugins with projected downloads of 2.1 billion by the end of 2025. These aren’t numbers achieved by marketing campaigns, they result from developers and users working collaboratively, sharing knowledge, and challenging each other to improve.
AI and WordPress: A Pragmatic Approach for Entrepreneurs
As AI continues to redefine markets, WordPress’s handling of this revolution provides lessons for any tech founder. The rollout of the Abilities API, for example, signals a future where systems interact seamlessly with AI, marking an evolution in how businesses operate online.
How Entrepreneurs Can Adapt:
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Embrace Simplified AI Tools
WordPress has developed tools like MCP adapters to help even small organizations integrate AI seamlessly. For entrepreneurs, low-cost AI tools like these are a great entry point into automation. -
Build Flexible Foundations
The WordPress "Playground" feature demonstrates the value of offering environments where ideas can be tested quickly. Every startup should consider a mechanism for rapid experimentation to pivot faster. -
Evaluate AI’s Purpose
While automation offers efficiency, WordPress emphasizes that AI should act as an enabler, not as a determiner of critical decisions. This reinforces the idea that people, not technology, drive meaningful change.
Global Growth: Success Beyond Language Barriers
I found WordPress’s multilingual statistics inspiring: over 56% of WordPress websites operate in non-English languages. For founders expanding into global markets, this serves as a clear reminder. If you're not speaking the language of your users, you’re missing opportunities.
Tips for Creating a Multilingual Presence:
- Use Localized Plugins
Tools like TranslatePress speed up content adaptation without requiring custom-built solutions. - Prioritize High-Traffic Regions
For example, nearly 60% of Japanese sites use WordPress. Evaluate regions where adoption rates align with your product. - Engage Native Creators
Hiring local talent to manage language-specific content ensures better cultural alignment while also fostering trust.
Learning From Mistakes: Common Pitfalls in Scaling Open Source Projects
Scaling isn’t easy, even with a strong community. WordPress shows us where teams need to tread with care:
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Ignoring Contributor Recognition
Many platforms fail by sidelining their active community members. WordPress combats this through events like WordCamps that actively engage its contributors. Startups can retain top talent by publicly acknowledging efforts. -
Relying Solely on Advanced Tech
Despite leveraging AI, WordPress consistently emphasizes the human element. Startups should avoid tech overreach and focus on human-centric experiences. -
Delayed Feature Rollouts
WordPress’s historic live rollout of the 6.9 update demonstrates the importance of timely execution. Businesses, too, should release and iterate promptly rather than waiting for perfection.
Building Momentum: What Startups Can Take From WordPress’s Strategy
Whether managing a small side hustle or scaling a full-blown SaaS, there’s a lot we can implement from WordPress’s model.
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Focus on Education
Platforms like Learn.WordPress.org empower users to create and solve problems independently. Think about how you can teach your customers to maximize your products. -
Host User-First Events
Events like WordCamp Asia and WordCamp US allow the ecosystem to stay alive by connecting users and developers. Hosting user-focused workshops or meetups can create advocates for your brand. -
Experiment but Stay True to Core Values
WordPress constantly adapts with features, but it’s never strayed from its foundational value: free expression. As a founder, always ask yourself, does your product evolve while staying true to its mission?
Wrapping Up: Why Community Lonely Wins in Tech
The conversations at "State of the Word" left me deeply convinced about one thing. Whether you're leading a startup or working as a freelancer, the most reliable innovations aren’t built on grand ambitions but on shared beliefs and collective contribution.
One actionable takeaway? Organize your own regular “WordCamps”, industry events where you invite users, builders, or fans to brainstorm, share unsolicited feedback, and directly engage with your solution.
As WordPress powers forward, the role of entrepreneurs is clear: adapt community-driven growth strategies, align them to your products, and don’t forget the simplest rule, it’s people, not tech, who change the world.
For anyone who wants to dive deeper, check the State of the Word recap for detailed highlights and future events. Let’s continue building smarter and together.
FAQ
1. What was the main theme of State of the Word 2025?
The event emphasized community-driven innovation, highlighting the growing influence of contributors, educators, and volunteers on WordPress’s evolution and future, including its role in leveraging AI technology. Read the State of the Word 2025 summary
2. How is WordPress integrating AI into its ecosystem?
WordPress introduced the Abilities API and MCP adapters, enabling seamless interaction with AI platforms and creating advanced tools like AI-powered Gutenberg integrations. Learn about AI developments at WordPress
3. What milestones were celebrated at the 2025 event?
The 2025 edition marked the 20th anniversary of State of the Word. Notable achievements included WordPress powering 43% of the web, surpassing 60,000 plugins, and expanding multilingual support to over 56% of non-English websites. Read about WordPress’s milestones
4. How can entrepreneurs use WordPress features to adapt to AI?
Entrepreneurs can leverage WordPress’s tools like MCP adapters and the Abilities API for simplified AI integration and adopt rapid prototyping using features like the WordPress "Playground" environment.
5. Why is community considered the backbone of WordPress’s success?
WordPress’s sustained growth is attributed to its open-source nature, reliance on a global contributor community, and strong educational initiatives fostering collaboration and trust. Understand WordPress’s community impact
6. How does WordPress support multilingual websites?
WordPress supports over 56% of non-English websites globally, offering tools like TranslatePress for seamless localization and emphasizing cultural alignment through native content creators.
7. What is the significance of WordPress 6.9 "Gene"?
WordPress 6.9 introduced innovative features like the Abilities API, live collaboration tools, and a focus on community-driven enhancements during a historic live rollout. Discover WordPress 6.9 updates
8. What new educational initiatives were highlighted in 2025?
WordPress launched programs like Campus Connect and WordPress Credits on Learn.WordPress.org, emphasizing structured learning paths to empower global skill development. Explore Learn.WordPress.org initiatives
9. How can startups replicate WordPress’s community-driven success?
Startups can host user-first events like WordCamp, prioritize contributor engagement, and maintain core values while adapting their products to evolving market needs.
10. What upcoming events continue the WordPress community tradition?
Major events like WordCamp Asia in Mumbai, WordCamp Europe in Kraków, and WordCamp US in Phoenix will further drive community engagement and innovation. Check out WordCamp Asia details | Explore WordCamp Europe info | Learn about WordCamp US plans
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.
