What PMs and Founders Should Know: May 2025 Edition

Hey you, yes you—the one building, pivoting, or maybe just catching your breath between releases. We’re halfway through May, and things are moving fast. So here’s a quick download of what’s changing, what’s clicking, and what’s worth paying attention to if you’re in product, founding something, or somewhere in between.

Let’s break it down together.

AI tools are no longer a nice-to-have. They’re expected.

If you’re still debating whether or not to bring AI into your workflow, I hate to break it to you but everyone else already has. Teams are using tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity to write product specs, summarize research, and even draft early product copy.

It’s kind of like having a super fast, slightly robotic assistant who never sleeps. The trick is knowing what to delegate and what still needs your brain. Don’t overthink it. Just start somewhere.

Product-led growth is the way forward.

Let’s say your product was a bakery. If someone can’t figure out how to taste your cookie before buying the whole box, you’ve already lost them.

That’s where product-led growth comes in. People want to try the product, get value fast, and then decide if they want to stick around. Good onboarding, free trials, helpful nudges—those matter more than a flashy pitch deck right now.

MVPs are getting smaller (and smarter).

You don’t need to build the whole house to check if someone wants to live in it. More teams are testing ideas with the tiniest versions possible—a Google Form, a Figma prototype, even just a sign-up page.

What matters is learning fast. You don’t need big to be brilliant. You need useful.

Customers want you to tell the truth.

People care about how you build things, not just what you build. Are your materials sustainable? Do you treat your team well? Is your supply chain ethical?

These questions are no longer just for big brands. Whether you're a solo founder or on a small team, being transparent—even imperfectly—is what builds trust now. Talk about your process. Say the quiet things out loud.

Hiring for PMs is still happening—it’s just more focused.

The market’s not frozen. But it is picky. Hiring managers want people who’ve done real things and can explain the ‘why’ behind their decisions.

It helps if you’ve worked on AI products or can show results beyond just launching features. If you’re mid-level and applying right now, don’t just tell them what you did. Tell them how it made something better.

Creators are becoming CEOs.

This one’s fun. A lot of creators—writers, designers, even meme-makers—are turning their ideas into actual businesses. They already have an audience, so now they’re building tools, launching wellness brands, raising funds, and moving fast.

If you’re building something and don’t have a community yet, it might be time to start sharing more. Audience plus insight equals serious leverage.

Founders: your messy ops will slow you down.

If you’re fundraising and you haven’t cleaned up your cap table or figured out your financial model, it’s going to catch up with you.

Investors are looking closer now. That means clear agreements, clean data, and a solid understanding of your metrics. It’s boring, but it matters. Think of it as spring cleaning, but for your company.

Final Word! 2025 is not waiting around. Whether you’re shipping products or building from scratch, this is your reminder to simplify where you can, double down on what’s working, and keep listening to what your customers (and community) are trying to tell you.

We’re here for the ride with you.

Want to share your own perspective or story? Reach out to us or submit a blog idea at info@productsbywomen.com.