Google has made an intriguing move to address a critical aspect of the ongoing AI arms race, building and scaling the infrastructure required to power its breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. Amin Vahdat, a long-time leader in Google's infrastructure and cloud initiatives, has been promoted to oversee AI infrastructure as Chief Technologist. This shift signals more than a new title; it’s a shift in focus for Google, integrating hardware and software advancements to maintain its competitive edge. Let’s explore what this means for entrepreneurs, business builders, and the startups of Europe.
Why Google’s Infrastructure Strategy Matters to Entrepreneurs
For female entrepreneurs and founders like me, understanding how giants like Google approach technology investments offers valuable lessons. Vahdat’s work on tech systems such as Borg (Google’s cluster manager) and Axion (its custom chip solution for data centers) emphasize two things: resource efficiency and scaling. Entrepreneurs often think about scaling in terms of team size or customer base, but technology and infrastructure must scale too, especially for tech-driven businesses.
In 2025 alone, Google allocated nearly $93 billion to capital expenditure, much of it focused on expanding its compute power and creating infrastructures that can handle the demands of AI-heavy workloads. While these numbers are staggering, the principles underpinning these investments are accessible to startups, especially those preparing for growth.
What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Amin Vahdat’s Approach
Vahdat’s promotion is meaningful in several ways, offering lessons founders can apply no matter the size of their business. Here are the core takeaways:
1. Invest Early in Tech Infrastructure
Vahdat’s development of Borg, designed to allocate workloads efficiently within Google’s data centers, shows how critical tech systems are for growth. For startups, this means setting up scalable foundations early, whether through cloud solutions like AWS, Google Cloud, or comparable options. Avoid technical debt by planning for the long term.
2. Integrate Sustainable Practices
Google’s data centers emphasize sustainability, with AI optimizing power usage and reducing waste. Founders in Europe, especially female-led businesses conscious of ESG goals, can adopt similar models. Partnering with eco-friendly data centers or optimizing resource consumption can attract environmentally-conscious customers and save costs.
3. Tailor Solutions to Industry Needs
Vahdat’s team developed Axion, a custom chip to power AI workloads in data centers. While startups may not have resources to develop their own technology, customizing your software tools and ensuring they align with your industry needs can set you apart. Example: If you’re developing SaaS solutions for retail, consider customizing features highly relevant to payment processing or inventory tracking.
4. Anticipate Future Demands
The Jupiter Network, another Vahdat project, scales data transmission at speeds most systems can only dream of. Even as a startup founder, anticipating future demands, even on a smaller scale, can help prevent bottlenecks. Look at how your platform, service, or product would perform with 10x users or customers.
Errors Founders Must Avoid While Scaling Technology
There are several mistakes that female entrepreneurs, or any founders, are prone to make while building their businesses. Let’s address the most common ones to ensure smoother scaling efforts.
- Underestimating Data Requirements: AI relies heavily on access to massive datasets. Be clear from the outset about where and how data will be stored, accessed, and scaled.
- Ignoring AI: Assuming your business doesn’t need AI in its operation is outdated thinking. Even small businesses can leverage AI for personalized customer interactions or operational efficiencies.
- Overlooking Cybersecurity: The more your platform scales, typically, the higher the risk of breaches or attacks. Google employs rigorous security protocols across its operations. Adopt that same mindset early to protect customer trust.
- Failing to Monitor Resource Costs: As seen in Google’s focus on power-efficient chips, hefty energy bills can be a problem for tech-driven businesses. Invest in efficient solutions that optimize operational expenses even when scaling.
How to Set Up AI-Ready Operations for Your Startup
Even if you’re just beginning, here’s how to future-proof your operation to make the most of booming innovations like AI:
1. Choose Cloud Services That Offer AI Features Early
Platforms like Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure offer AI-oriented tools that allow small businesses to integrate cutting-edge features without heavy upfront costs. For entrepreneurs, platforms offering pre-built models provide fast-track entry points into AI-specific applications.
2. Build Collaborations for Tech Funding
If, like me, you’ve bootstrapped your initiatives, seeking EU-backed or national technology grants is critical to securing funds for growth. Many of my own projects have been funded via similar frameworks, enabling my team to build innovative projects without external investment pressures.
3. Train Your Team on AI Fundamentals
There’s no need for everyone in your team to become a neural networks expert, but it’s beneficial to provide basic training in AI tools. Encourage courses on Google’s Vertex AI or tools like TensorFlow, which help frame opportunities in AI without complete new hires.
What Female Entrepreneurs in Europe Can Take from Google’s Moves
The story of Amin Vahdat isn’t merely about AI’s potential; it’s about bold decision-making in leadership. As a tech-savvy leader myself (and a mom supporting my team of mostly women), I see this as a reminder of why deliberate prioritization matters. Leaders who set clear, scalable visions, aligned not only with goals but the underlying technology, create organizations that survive challenges and grow sustainably.
In Europe, where female entrepreneurship still struggles with funding disparities and underrepresentation, taking risks in tech-related advancements is crucial. Many solutions for startup scaling, such as ready-to-use cloud platforms or sustainability grants, are accessible if women are willing to explore them.
Why This Matters to Founders Today
Google’s decision to prioritize infrastructure is an important case study for all businesses, especially startups driven by scalability goals. Vahdat’s promotion showcases how investing deeply in the right foundations, whether it’s hardware-focused AI acceleration or system innovations, leads not only to resilience but also dominance.
Start with adaptable tech early, remain aware of trends like generative AI, and embrace sustainability. Even if you’re building something small right now, the vision must include future-proof tools and partners. As entrepreneurs, we’re often the creative force; let’s not forget to build systems that make the dream sustainable.
For an example of actionable tools tailored to new founders, explore Google Cloud’s training programs for beginners. They offer accessible skills you can use to integrate updates into your business today. Learn more about their offerings to enhance your strategy.
What worked for Google can scale down for your startup too, if done right.
FAQ
1. Why did Google promote Amin Vahdat to Chief Technologist for AI Infrastructure?
Google promoted Amin Vahdat to align its AI advancements with efficient, scalable infrastructure solutions. Vahdat’s background in developing key systems like Borg and Axion highlights his ability to manage workloads and address data center challenges critical to AI scalability. Read about Vahdat’s promotion
2. How does Google’s investment in infrastructure benefit startups and small businesses?
Google’s approach to scalable infrastructure, such as its development of Borg and Jupiter Networks, offers startups insights into building systems that handle growth efficiently. These principles are accessible via tools like Google Cloud, which can help startups optimize their operations. Explore Google Cloud benefits for startups
3. What are some of Google’s critical contributions to AI infrastructure?
Google has developed innovations like the Ironwood TPU for AI processing, the Jupiter Network for ultra-fast data transmission, and custom Axion CPUs for compute-intensive tasks. These contribute to Google's dominance in AI scalability. Learn more about Google’s AI infrastructure
4. How can entrepreneurs adopt sustainable technology practices inspired by Google?
Google supports sustainable practices, such as optimizing power usage in data centers and implementing energy-efficient chips. Startups can emulate this by adopting eco-friendly solutions like sustainable cloud platforms or optimizing resource consumption.
5. Is Google’s focus on hardware innovation unique in the AI domain?
Yes, while competitors like OpenAI rely on third-party hardware (e.g., Nvidia), Google’s investments in custom infrastructure (e.g., TPUs and Axion CPUs) give it an edge in AI scalability and cost efficiency. Discover Google’s hardware advancements
6. What lessons can startups learn from Google’s AI infrastructure strategies?
Startups can learn to invest early in technology infrastructure, integrate sustainable practices, align solutions with industry needs, and anticipate future demands to avoid bottlenecks. Explore infrastructure lessons from Google
7. How does Google optimize its data center operations using AI?
Google employs AI to monitor workloads, optimize cooling systems, and predict operational demands, resulting in significant energy savings and operational efficiency. Learn how Google uses AI for efficiency
8. Why is anticipatory scaling critical for startups?
Google’s development of Jupiter Networks demonstrates the importance of preparing for rapid increases in user or data loads prior to actual demand. This helps avoid costly bottlenecks or operational inefficiencies. Discover the impact of anticipatory scaling
9. What mistakes should founders avoid when scaling technology?
Common mistakes include underestimating data requirements, ignoring the potential of AI, overlooking cybersecurity risks, and failing to monitor resource costs. Google’s example of sustainable infrastructure investment can help founders avoid these pitfalls.
10. How can female entrepreneurs in Europe leverage opportunities in tech investments?
Female entrepreneurs in Europe can explore EU technology grants, partner with eco-friendly ventures, and adopt cutting-edge yet affordable tools like Google Cloud AI. Aligning their strategies with industry advancements can level the playing field. Learn how Google inspires sustainable entrepreneurship
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
