How 2 Founders Outsmarted Tariffs and Big Tech Early
The rules of the game are changing fast. While Washington reshapes trade with new tariffs that could upend billion-dollar supply chains, Silicon Valley is quietly revolutionising how we work with AI that knows your communication style better than your closest colleague.
From factory floors in Vietnam to Gmail inboxes powered by Gemini, the latest developments are forcing founders to rethink everything – and the smartest ones are already three steps ahead.
How the latest U.S.–Vietnam agreement could reshape Nike and Adidas supply chains
A new US–Vietnam trade deal announced by President Trump on 2 July imposes a 20% tariff on many Vietnamese imports and 40% on goods transshipped from China through Vietnam. This targets transshipment practices where Chinese products are routed through Vietnam to avoid US tariffs, but threatens major brands like Nike and Adidas who manufacture 50% and 27% of their products in Vietnam respectively.
While the 20% tariff is lower than expected and US exports to Vietnam gain tariff-free access, Vietnam’s reliance on Chinese raw materials limits immediate benefits. Industry groups warn the tariffs risk disrupting supply chains and harming consumers, leaving retailers to navigate a complex new trading landscape.
What this means for biotech founders
Alexandra Zhang
Co-founder & CEO
Factorem
Over the past few years, I’ve seen firsthand how global supply chains have been reshaped by rising tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and an urgent need for greater flexibility. When we first started Factorem, we were helping hardware teams navigate challenges stemming from overdependence on a single manufacturing hub. Today, that shift away from China has become a necessity. Southeast Asia is stepping up in a big way, with countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia seeing a surge in manufacturing investment, especially in high-value sectors like aerospace, medical devices, and electronics.
Yet, the supplier landscape remains highly fragmented. I’ve spoken to too many founders and product teams who’ve faced frustrating delays, inconsistent part quality, or the stress of chasing down updates. That’s exactly why our AI-powered manufacturing platform is designed to take the guesswork and chaos out of hardware production. Teams get instant quotes, access to reliable, pre-vetted manufacturers, and full visibility from prototype to production.
When a 2023 Kearney survey noted that over 70% of global manufacturers are actively diversifying their sourcing strategies with Southeast Asia ranking as the top alternative to China, we’re exactly where we need to be. As a founder, this journey has taught me the importance of staying scrappy, plugged into the data, and never settling for the status quo. It’s not just about solving supply chain problems, but also about helping innovators build better, faster, and more fearlessly.
Gmail’s AI-Powered Smart Replies Launch in Q3 2025
At Google I/O 2025, Google announced a major upgrade to Gmail’s Smart Replies, powered by its Gemini AI. Unlike previous versions that only referenced the current thread, the new system pulls context from across your entire Gmail inbox and Google Drive to generate more personalised and helpful replies. The AI can suggest plans or follow-ups by piecing together relevant details and adjusts its tone – formal or casual – based on your past communication style, crafting replies that reflect how you typically write.
The new Smart Replies will begin rolling out this month as an alpha preview in Google Labs, with broader availability expected in Q3 2025. Access will start with select premium users before expanding more widely, building on last year’s enhancements to make email responses feel more natural and efficient by better understanding user habits, tone, and phrasing.
What this means for innovators in productivity tech
Adrian Cabrera
Co-founder & CEO
Maestro Labs
People ask how we keep staying ahead with tech giants like Google and Microsoft stepping into the AI productivity space. Honestly, I see it as a positive – they help build the market awareness and excitement for AI at work. Our real edge is velocity – moving fast, with a clear direction and purpose.
Take Google’s new AI reply feature, for example. It’s hitting Gmail in Q3 2025, but we launched Rapid Replies in December 2023, over 20 months ahead. Since then, we’ve shipped more than 75 features and evolved from just emails (MailMaestro) to meetings (TeamsMaestro), all because we’re close to our users and can react quickly to what matters most.
There’s plenty of room in a massive market. If you look at history, it’s packed with examples of companies who broke into crowded spaces by simply delivering a better experience. Notion, for instance, took on Word and Google Docs and built something people truly love. Staying focused on users and delivering great experiences – that’s what wins. And now, being truly AI-first, we can meet those needs faster and more thoughtfully than ever before.
What’s made the difference lately? The newest AI coding tools. We’re able to ship improvements faster than ever, sometimes launching a customer’s feature request within 24–48 hours. No ticket gets lost in a massive machine; often you’ll see your suggestion go live before the week is up.
In the end, the real moat isn’t budget size—it’s the pace and intention behind your execution. By the time a giant ships version one, we’re already on version twelve, and our users feel that difference every time they hit “Send.”
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