Use Wellfound's “10 of 10 in 2025” to Surf Startup Trend Waves Before They Hit

While normies are busy arguing over VC Twitter drama, a new batch of silent unicorns is forming under their noses.

Wellfound’s 10 of 10 in 2025 is a curated radar for the top 10 breakout startups across 10 verticals — picked by actual insiders who’ve seen the next wave forming.

This isn’t just a list. It’s a treasure map.

🔍 What You Can See

10 hand-picked startups per category, from AI to HealthTech to Energy
Early indicators of what problems VCs are dying to fund
Startup patterns that align with rising funding surges or founder migration
Hiring surges — a proxy for scaling momentum
Idea models you can clone, pivot, or localize

Each name here was selected based on real traction, insider buzz, and silent network effects. Not just “cool decks.”

💡 Use Cases: Weaponize the List to Make Money, Fast

1. Clone-and-Localize Startup Plays

Identify breakout models in US/EU and relaunch them in underdeveloped regions.
Example: If a startup is killing it in US freight logistics, build a clone in Southeast Asia, LATAM, or Africa.
Hire via Upwork, soft launch in local Facebook groups, fake traction via sponsored reviews.

2. Launch Founder-Signal Blogs or Newsletters

Break down each startup's model in plain English.
Monetize via affiliate deals, gated Discords, or consulting for agencies/startups wanting to copy.
“10 of 10 Breakdown” newsletters are easy to systemize with AI summaries + a weekly hot take.

3. Build Angel Intel Reports for Rich Boomers

Package this list into reports for high-net-worth individuals or small family offices.
Add commentary: “Here’s what to watch, why it matters, and when to move.”
Offer retainer access to trend reports or signal alerts. Rich people pay to feel ahead.

4. Turn Into Parasite SEO Content Engine

Each startup becomes a seed keyword.
Create comparison pages: “Top Alternatives to [Startup X],” “Is [Startup X] Legit?”
Plug in cloaked affiliate funnels, gated resources, or info products for wannabe founders.

5. Recruit Talent Before They Blow Up

Monitor who’s hiring fast and in stealth.
Reach out to key hires, offer them perks/tools/early community building before their rocket takes off.
Build influence with future power players while they’re still accessible nobodies.

📈 Final Thoughts

Most people will scroll past this list, nod, and forget it.

But the smart ones?

They’ll see 100 business models. 10 monetizable ecosystems. And 1 unfair advantage:

Early visibility.

This is your VC whisper list. Use it to build. Clone. Invest. Position early. Before the rest of the world even notices the bubble forming.

Trends Directory