Latest news with #digitalgrowth
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Tech Boot Camp Shakeout: Why It's A Winner-Take-All Market Now
Thomas Noh is the CMO at Atomic Enrollment, a leading digital growth firm trusted by hundreds of tech bootcamps and trade schools. The boot camp industry has hit a fork in the road. On one path: growth, AI-fueled curriculum and new revenue models. On the other: shutdowns, compliance issues and irrelevance. In 2024, nearly 70,000 students were projected to graduate from U.S. tech boot camps—a 5% increase year over year. That's not a dying market. But make no mistake: We're in a survival-of-the-fittest era. The market has matured. Students are more skeptical. Employers are more selective. Regulators are paying attention. And AI has changed everything, not by fully replacing developers (not yet, at least), but by rewriting the rulebook on what job-ready actually means. At Atomic Enrollment, we've helped fast-adapting boot camps scale to eight figures a year. We've also watched others disappear. Here's what's separating the winners from the ones closing their doors. 1. The boot camps that didn't evolve are shutting down. The list of closures is growing: Kenzie Academy, Rithm School, Code Fellows, Momentum and Codeup have all shut down in the past few years. Some were acquired. Some quietly folded. Others, like BloomTech (formerly Lambda School), faced regulatory scrutiny and a CFPB enforcement action after allegedly misleading students about job placement rates. These examples illustrate the danger of becoming complacent and relying on outdated curriculum, legacy funnels or unverified claims. 2. AI is replacing tech jobs, but boot camps aren't dead. Let's be honest: AI is replacing software developers. Not all of them, but enough to cause a seismic shift. Entry-level dev roles are disappearing. Tasks like bug fixes, boilerplate coding and even basic app scaffolding are now handled faster, cheaper and sometimes more reliably by tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT-4o and Replit's Ghostwriter. A McKinsey report found that "by 2030, activities that account for up to 30 percent of hours currently worked across the US economy could be automated." And top tech firms are hiring fewer engineers overall but demanding more from the ones they do hire. So, where does that leave boot camps? The best ones are pivoting hard. They're doing three things: 1. They're teaching how to code with AI tools, not in spite of them. Boot camps should now include AI coding assistants and prompt engineering as part of the standard curriculum and train students to use AI as a copilot, not a competitor. 2. They're shifting focus to adjacent fields that are AI-resilient, like cybersecurity, data engineering and cloud infrastructure. These roles still require judgment, architecture thinking and context—the kind of skills AI can't fully automate (yet). 3. They're refocusing on value creation, not just code production. Problem-solving, product thinking, communication and team collaboration are what set great developers apart, and boot camps that train for those skills are seeing better outcomes. The schools still pumping out cookie-cutter React developers with no business context or AI fluency are already behind. Their grads are likely getting ghosted by hiring managers who know that a single engineer with AI tooling can now do the work of three. 3. Today's students expect more than a certificate. Boot camp students have changed. Most already have a bachelor's degree. Many are career-changers in their 30s, juggling jobs and families. Flexibility and ROI aren't perks; they're expectations. They want: • Real job placement outcomes • Transparent tuition and financing • A clear, fast path into high-paying, future-proof roles At the same time, Gen Z is turning away from traditional college, opening the door to younger boot camp students, too. Your messaging must now resonate across generations: outcome-focused for adults, purpose-driven and tech-savvy for Gen Z. "Learn to code in 12 weeks" no longer cuts it. Schools that showcase real alumni success stories, employer partnerships and tangible career road maps are converting better than ever. 4. Student acquisition has evolved. University partnerships are still strong. Over 100 boot camps still run through schools like the University of Michigan or Colorado State, giving them built-in credibility and marketing reach. The fastest-growing boot camps in 2025 are the ones that treat enrollment like customer acquisition, with performance-driven ad campaigns, not just hope and referrals. That means running paid social ads, not occasionally, but consistently. Meta, TikTok and YouTube are no longer optional. They're where your next cohort is already scrolling. Short-form video content showcasing authentic student stories, instructor insights and career outcomes consistently outperforms static testimonials or corporate brochures, in my experience. We've also seen that boot camps that invest in content and conversion are seeing lead costs drop and enrollment quality rise. Those relying solely on organic reach or outdated SEO blogs are much less visible. If you're not in the feed, it's almost like you don't exist. Financing is changing, too. ISAs have dropped to 5% of the market, due to regulatory pressure. Instead, boot camps are offering scholarships, deferred tuition or job guarantees to mitigate student risk and differentiate their offer. 5. Regulation isn't coming; it's here. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's action against BloomTech in 2024 was a turning point. The ISA model that once fueled boot camp growth is all but dead, now used by just 5% of programs. Boot camps that survive are embracing transparency. They're publishing audited outcomes, they're getting state-approved and they're aligning with emerging federal programs like VET TEC and potential Pell Grant expansion for short-term training. You can't operate like it's 2017 anymore. Compliance is now a competitive advantage. It's a winner-take-all market now. The boot camp industry isn't overcrowded; it's over-commoditized. If your program, curriculum and outcomes aren't clear and compelling, someone else is winning your market share. We've seen the same pattern across every high-growth boot camp we work with: rapid iteration, bold positioning and a team that treats this like a high-stakes startup, not a slow-moving school. If you're running a boot camp, ask yourself this: • Is your curriculum built for 2025? • Are your ads and funnels converting the right students? • Do you have AI-powered systems behind your admissions? • Can you prove your results, not just claim them? If not, now's the time to fix it, because in this game, those who adapt win. And those who don't? We've already seen how that ends. Forbes Communications Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aviano Agency Announces New Branding and Reputation Services to Help Businesses Build Online Authority
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - July 22, 2025) - Aviano Agency unveils expanded service suite, including unlimited design and strategic branding solutions to boost social proof and digital credibility. Aviano Agency, a digital growth and branding company, is pleased to announce the launch of its expanded branding and reputation positioning services aimed at helping businesses enhance their online presence and build long-term authority. With over 7,500 successful brand transformations and 450+ positive reviews on Trustpilot, Aviano Agency has become a trusted partner for businesses looking to stand out in competitive digital markets. The latest service upgrade includes an unlimited design model for clients, custom branding audits, and strategic execution plans that focus on increasing trust, credibility, and perceived authority across digital channels. "We noticed a strong need for businesses to not only look active online but to appear trustworthy and established," said a spokesperson from Aviano Agency. "That's why we've expanded our branding solutions to help clients improve their social proof and position themselves as market leaders." The new offerings are designed for entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and e-commerce brands looking to: Develop a strong and consistent visual identity Improve reputation and audience trust Leverage branding as a tool for authority building Create digital assets that boost first impressions and conversion rates With this move, Aviano Agency continues its mission to help brands look the part before they speak. Whether a company is new or established, this branding-first approach is tailored to match their niche and audience expectations. Contact Aviano Agency for a free trial of its services by reaching out on Instagram @aviano_agency or visiting Media Contact: Johnathan CohenCompany name: Aviano AgencyAddress: 10280 NW 9th Street Cir #APT 203, 33172, Miami, United StatesWebsite: pr@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Arabian Business
14-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
TikTok, Visa announce new deal to support UAE SMBs with ad credit offer
TikTok and Visa have announced a new collaboration to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the UAE by providing financial incentives, training, and digital tools. Starting July 1 2025, SMBs that spend US$250 on a TikTok campaign using a Visa Commercial card will receive US$150 in TikTok Ad Credits. The offer is available to first-time TikTok Ads Manager users and runs until September 30, 2025. New SMB support via TikTok-Visa Eligible businesses will also have access to TikTok masterclasses, Q&A sessions with TikTok experts, and the 'Grow with TikTok Resource Hub.' In addition, the first three SMBs to register will receive a free, creator-made ad. 'SMBs are the heart of the UAE's economy, and we are committed to helping them thrive in the digital era. This collaboration with Visa provides SMBs with not just financial incentives, but also the knowledge and tools they need to show up authentically and creatively on TikTok. It aligns perfectly with the UAE's vision to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital growth,' Joanne Chehab, Head of Business Partnerships, Global Business Solutions, MENA – TikTok said in a statement. The initiative is designed to support entrepreneurs in the region and aligns with the UAE's broader strategy to accelerate digital adoption and drive economic diversification through innovation. 'Visa is proud to support SMBs; an essential driver of economic resilience and innovation in the UAE. Through our collaboration with TikTok, we are enabling businesses to access new customers not only through digital marketing but also equipping them with the skills needed to succeed. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering entrepreneurs as part of the UAE's digital transformation agenda,' Salima Gutieva, Visa's VP and Country Manager for UAE added. The collaboration combines Visa's payment infrastructure with TikTok's digital platform to help business owners scale in a digital-first environment.
Arabian Business
14-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
TikTok, Visa announce new deak to support UAE SMBs with ad credit offer
TikTok and Visa have announced a new collaboration to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the UAE by providing financial incentives, training, and digital tools. Starting July 1 2025, SMBs that spend US$250 on a TikTok campaign using a Visa Commercial card will receive US$150 in TikTok Ad Credits. The offer is available to first-time TikTok Ads Manager users and runs until September 30, 2025. New SMB support via TikTok-Visa Eligible businesses will also have access to TikTok masterclasses, Q&A sessions with TikTok experts, and the 'Grow with TikTok Resource Hub.' In addition, the first three SMBs to register will receive a free, creator-made ad. 'SMBs are the heart of the UAE's economy, and we are committed to helping them thrive in the digital era. This collaboration with Visa provides SMBs with not just financial incentives, but also the knowledge and tools they need to show up authentically and creatively on TikTok. It aligns perfectly with the UAE's vision to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital growth,' Joanne Chehab, Head of Business Partnerships, Global Business Solutions, MENA – TikTok said in a statement. The initiative is designed to support entrepreneurs in the region and aligns with the UAE's broader strategy to accelerate digital adoption and drive economic diversification through innovation. 'Visa is proud to support SMBs; an essential driver of economic resilience and innovation in the UAE. Through our collaboration with TikTok, we are enabling businesses to access new customers not only through digital marketing but also equipping them with the skills needed to succeed. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering entrepreneurs as part of the UAE's digital transformation agenda,' Salima Gutieva, Visa's VP and Country Manager for UAE added. The collaboration combines Visa's payment infrastructure with TikTok's digital platform to help business owners scale in a digital-first environment.
Associated Press
11-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Genus AI Launches Sage: AI Growth Agent for E-Commerce Brands
Genus AI, a leader in AI-driven growth solutions for D2C and e-commerce brands, is excited to announce the launch of Sage, a first-of-its-kind AI Growth Agent built to transform how brands scale across digital channels. Sage is redefining e-commerce growth with an intelligent AI agent that unifies creative generation, product catalog management, digital campaigns, customer insights, and order data. Built for brands of all sizes, Sage can power the entire digital growth engine — enhancing product catalogs, optimizing campaigns, and providing real-time visibility into the customer lifecycle. It's now available to brands leveraging Shopify and Meta platforms. In a landscape where digital growth is more vital than ever, Genus AI continues to stand apart by democratizing access to secure enterprise-grade AI technology. The platform currently generates more than 20 million product catalog images and videos each month and is projected to drive over $500 million in revenue from AI-generated campaigns in 2025. Already trusted by leading brands like Chubbies, Parks Project, Annie Selke, Awe Inspired, Peter Thomas Roth and many others, Genus AI empowers e-commerce teams to unlock scalable growth without compromising brand identity or operational control. 'With Sage, we're introducing a fundamental shift in how brands harness AI to drive growth,' said Dr. Tadas Jucikas, founder and CEO of Genus AI. 'Our mission is to empower businesses with intelligent tools that enhance product catalogs, generate high-performing creatives, and run more efficient campaigns across every digital channel. Sage has the potential to do all of this autonomously, marking the beginning of a new era in e-commerce growth.' Genus AI is committed to making advanced AI accessible to brands of any size. Later this year Sage will be available via MCP (Model Context Protocol) for AI to AI workflows where brands can automate entire pipelines of deep customer insights, product catalog ad generation and digital campaign optimization in a secure and reliable environment. As Genus AI continues to expand Sage's capabilities, the company is paving the way for the next generation of AI-driven agentic solutions that will redefine digital commerce. To learn how Sage can transform your e-commerce growth, visit: About Genus AI Genus AI is a vertical AI platform designed to accelerate growth for D2C and e-commerce brands across all digital channels. The platform streamlines product catalog management, generates dynamic product images and videos, and recommends high-performing seed audiences — enabling brands to scale efficiently via digital channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X, Google, Reddit, Criteo and others. Genus AI's mission is to make advanced AI accessible to brands of all sizes and empower their growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. For more information, visit Media Contact Press Team [email protected] ### SOURCE: Genus AI Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
