There are newsrooms shrinkingand reporters are increasingly running out of time to write compelling and diverse stories about the state of enterprise capital. As a result, startup funding announcements are typically reserved for the most individuals or the most high-profile VC backers.
Ensuring your startup’s funding news stands out requires concise storytelling, links to broader industry trends, and clearly communicating your company’s unique position to drive change. Here are some common mistakes to avoid and suggestions to ensure your financing information doesn’t go unnoticed.
Size matters
Financing lower than $100 million is unlikely to be noticed by leading financial media outlets reminiscent of Bloomberg Or Wall Street Journal.
To break through, consider targeting mid-market media or trade publications. Reporters at these outlets typically have greater bandwidth and are interested in giving your funds the highlight they deserve, no matter their size.
Context is key
That said, reporters are looking for greater than just a dollar figure – they need to understand the greater picture of your company.
Raising a round to expand your team or geographic footprint is a tale as old as time. Instead, focus on how this latest round of funding will help your startup disrupt an industry or address a specific market need.
Reporters prioritize stories that show how the company plans to change and innovate.
Take advantage of your investors
Venture capital media often focuses on well-known corporations reminiscent of a16z, Partners of the Lightspeed enterprise AND Partners of the Bessemer enterprise. Gaining attention without the support of those big names could also be difficult, but not unattainable. If you do not have a big-name VC on your capitalization list, highlight the unique qualities of your investors – perhaps they are emerging managers disrupting the enterprise scene, diversity-driven investors, or specialists in area of interest sectors. Highlighting investors can make your story more attractive to journalists looking for a fresh perspective.
Ride the wave of the trend
Just as VCs follow market trends, reporters follow hype cycles. There is currently a lot of interest in how startups are using AI in their operations and products. If your startup uses artificial intelligence or your funding round is focused on expansion in this area, make sure this is the focus of your offering. Positioning your business inside the current wave of trends can significantly increase your probabilities of gaining media attention.
By following these strategies, you possibly can increase your probabilities of cutting through the noise and getting the media attention your startup deserves.