Finding Your Niche: The Art of Innovation and Differentiation in a Crowded Market

We'll explore how to uncover hidden opportunities through user research, use lean validation techniques to test ideas before scaling, and strategically position your business in a way that differentiates it from competitors. You’ll also learn how to break into niche markets effectively whether through emerging technologies like AI and VR, or cultural intelligence—can be your biggest advantage.

This talk will include real-world case studies, actionable frameworks, and lessons from startups that successfully turned niche ideas into thriving businesses. Whether you're an early-stage founder or looking to pivot your existing venture, this session will equip you with the tools to find your niche, innovate with confidence, and scale strategically.

April 23, 2025
|
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
TRACK:
Ideation & Getting Started
ALL SPEAKERS
Prerna Choubey
User Researcher, Pramanity Research Group

Hello, I am Prerna Choubey, founder of Pramanity Research Group. With a multifaceted background spanning across immersive technology, cognition, and anthropology, I bring over seven years of comprehensive research experience to the forefront. My passion for education and technology converged in my pioneering work as a Virtual Reality (VR) Researcher. Recognizing VR's potential as an educational tool, I spearheaded immersive experiences fostering empathy, understanding, and cultural preservation.

Having spearheaded research teams across government agencies and esteemed universities, my expertise lies in understanding human psychology and cultural intelligence, driving impactful outcomes in diverse projects. I hold double Master's degrees in International Studies and History from the prestigious University of Washington and University of Delhi. My Ph.D. focuses on impact of immersive technologies on the cognitive development of the learners. My multidisciplinary visionary approach with my understanding of the user's psychology and commitment to humanizing the product development process enables me to deliver impactful research outcomes that help businesses excel.

MORE SESSIONS
Design a Career You Love — Without Losing Yourself
This is some text inside of a div block.

You know you’re meant for more, but figuring out how to make it happen without second-guessing every step? That’s the real challenge.

If you're ready to stop settling for a career that feels just fine and start building something that truly excites you—without quitting your job overnight—this session will give you the strategy, insights, and confidence to make it happen.

You’ll walk away with a clear roadmap to turn your expertise into income, build momentum without overwhelm, and create a future where you call the shots.

Shima Ghaheri
Founder and Unstoppable Coach, UnderlineU
See details
Personal Journeys
Marketing That Works: How to Get Clients and Grow a B2B Business (Without Wasting Time)
This is some text inside of a div block.

Many new entrepreneurs (especially side hustlers) waste time on things that don’t actually get them clients. Based on 12+ years of experience building marketing systems that scale, I’ll break down exactly what works—and what’s just noise—when it comes to growing a B2B business.

This session will help you:

  • Understand what really matters in early-stage marketing (so you don’t waste months spinning your wheels).
  • Avoid common marketing mistakes that slow growth.
  • Learn simple, repeatable strategies to attract clients and grow—without burning out.
  • Decide where to focus your limited time, budget, and energy for maximum results.

Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, or service-based entrepreneur, this session will help you build smarter, not harder.

Emma Cimolini
Founder & Principal Consultant, 021 B2B Tech Growth Marketing
See details
Growth & Monetization
Stop Confusing Visitors: 4 Steps for B2B Homepage Messaging That Resonates
This is some text inside of a div block.

In those crucial first seconds on your homepage, can prospects understand what you do and why they should care? Most B2B startups struggle to clearly communicate their value, leaving potential customers confused or unconvinced. In this practical session, marketing consultant Garrett Jestice will show you a proven framework to make your homepage message crystal clear. You'll learn:

  • How to structure your homepage so prospects immediately understand your value
  • A simple formula to articulate what makes your B2B solution different and worth caring about
  • Techniques to transform technical features into benefits that resonate with business buyers
  • Real examples of clear vs. confusing B2B homepage messaging

Perfect for founders and marketers at B2B startups, you'll walk away with actionable templates and frameworks to make your homepage message immediately clear to the right prospects. No marketing fluff––just practical guidance to help prospects 'get it' in seconds.

Garrett Jestice
Founder, Prelude Marketing
See details
Growth & Monetization
Being a Weirdo & Distilling Your Secret Sauce
This is some text inside of a div block.

Let’s be real—being a little weird is the best thing you can do for your brand. In a world full of sameness, it’s the memorable quirks, the unexpected twists, and the “wait, who are you?” moments that make people pay attention.

I’ve taken an unconventional path to get here (think: almost failing design school, living in a van in Australia, running a wedding company in China—yeah, it’s a story), and along the way, I realized that the magic in branding isn’t about fitting in. It’s about helping people own what makes them different and turning that into a brand that feels like them.

We’ll talk about:

  • Why your weirdness is your unfair advantage
  • How to help clients find their real brand essence (aka their secret sauce)
  • Creative confidence—showing up fully as yourself
  • The unexpected paths that lead to success

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit the mold—good. That’s exactly why you’re going to thrive. Let’s talk about it.

Maria Lobo
Founder & Principal Designer, Planet Lobo
See details
Personal Branding