“Who’s actually shaping the future of tech?” That question stuck with me at last year’s LEAP conference, one of the fastest-growing global tech events. While the big-name speakers always grab the headlines, the real drivers of change are the emerging leaders—you just have to know where to look. That’s why Spotlighting Emerging Leaders matters—it’s about recognising those shaping the industry’s future and driving real innovation.
These are the founders building the next big thing, the developers pushing boundaries in AI and Web3, and the visionaries rethinking how tech should serve people. As a result, that’s why spotlighting emerging leaders at LEAP 2025 isn’t just about giving credit where it’s due. In addition, it’s about identifying the people who will shape the industry for years to come. Ultimately, their influence will define the future of tech.
So, who should you be watching? Which sectors are producing the most exciting talent? And if you’re heading to LEAP 2025, how do you connect with the people making waves? Let’s get into it.
Web3 Founders: The Builders Defining the Future of Decentralisation
In 2021, it felt like every other person in crypto was launching a startup. However, by 2023, half of those projects had vanished. But the ones that survived? They’re leading the next wave of Web3 innovation.
At LEAP 2025, you can expect to see Web3 founders who are focused on utility, not just hype. In fact, the projects making the biggest impact right now are:
✅ Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenisation → Founders are building bridges between crypto and TradFi, making assets like real estate and commodities tradable on-chain.
✅ Decentralised AI Platforms → With AI booming, the best minds in Web3 are working on decentralised AI models, ensuring data ownership stays with the users.
✅ On-Chain Identity & Reputation → Forget usernames and passwords—blockchain-based identity solutions are reshaping authentication and credit scoring.
So, who’s leading the charge?
🔹 Builders at Starknet, Scroll, and Celestia → Innovating on Ethereum scalability and modular blockchain design.
🔹 Startups like Worldcoin & Lens Protocol → Rethinking identity and social networks in Web3.
🔹 DeFi pioneers at Aave, MakerDAO, and Uniswap → Pushing on-chain finance forward in a post-FTX world.
💡 What’s working? The best founders aren’t just shipping MVPs. Instead, they’re creating products that solve real-world problems while partnering with institutions to bring Web3 into mainstream use.
AI Innovators: Beyond the Hype, Into Practical AI Applications
AI is having its moment—again. However, this time, it’s not just about chatbots and art generators. Instead, the real breakthroughs are happening in AI-powered solutions that integrate with existing industries, making them 10x more efficient. Moreover, these innovations are driving significant change across various sectors.
At LEAP 2025, be sure to keep an eye on AI leaders building in:
✅ AI + Blockchain → Startups are merging AI with decentralised networks, ensuring AI models remain open-source and censorship-resistant.
✅ Autonomous Agents & AI Employees → Companies like Fetch.ai and Autonolas are working on AI-powered agents that handle business workflows, DeFi trading, and even DAO operations.
✅ AI in Cybersecurity → With deepfake scams and AI-driven hacks rising, new AI security startups are fighting back with machine-learning-driven threat detection.
So, who’s leading the charge?
🔹 Anthropic & Mistral AI → Competing with OpenAI, but with more focus on safety and decentralisation.
🔹 AI-powered trading firms → Using AI for high-frequency trading, risk management, and fraud detection.
🔹 Startups integrating AI with IoT → Bringing automation and machine learning to smart cities and supply chains.
💡 What’s NOT working? Companies focusing solely on AI-generated content without real-world applications. Instead, the real impact is happening at the intersection of AI and automation, finance, and cybersecurity.
Women in Tech: Breaking Barriers & Leading the Next Wave
One of the most exciting shifts in the industry? More women stepping into leadership roles in Web3, AI, and fintech.
Thankfully, the days of tech conferences being 99% male-dominated are (slowly) fading. As a result, LEAP 2025 is expected to highlight female founders, investors, and developers pushing the industry forward. Moreover, this trend is helping to create a more inclusive tech landscape.
Here’s where women in tech are making serious waves:
✅ AI Ethics & Governance → Leaders in AI safety are ensuring bias, ethics, and fairness are built into AI models.
✅ Web3 Security & Compliance → Women-led firms are tackling smart contract auditing, on-chain security, and crypto legal frameworks.
✅ FinTech & DeFi Innovation → Some of the most successful DeFi projects have female founders shaping the future of digital finance.
Who’s leading the charge?
🔹 Stani Kulechov & Kulechov Labs → Empowering diverse teams in DeFi innovation.
🔹 Women-led DAOs & investment funds → Fueling more inclusive funding for Web3 startups.
🔹 AI Safety Advocates → Ensuring AI is developed responsibly and with transparency.
💡 What’s changing? More funding is going into women-led startups, and more VCs are backing diverse founding teams.
Where to Connect With Emerging Leaders at LEAP 2025
Want to meet the brightest minds at LEAP 2025? Here’s how to make the most of it:
🔹 Go Beyond the Main Stage
The best conversations don’t happen in packed keynote halls. Instead, they happen:
- At networking lounges
- During side events and private meetups
- At afterparties where the real deals happen
🔹 Engage With Early-Stage Startups
If you want first-mover advantage, don’t just chase big names. Rather, look at seed-stage and Series A startups—they’re often the most innovative and hiring aggressively.
🔹 Be Active on Social Media Before & During the Event
Founders, VCs, and hiring managers pay attention to who’s engaged.
- Follow and interact with speakers on LinkedIn & Twitter/X.
- Join event-specific Telegram & Discord groups.
- Share insights from the panels you attend—you never know who might respond.
