Many entrepreneurs underestimate the challenges of funding a startup. They work tirelessly to present their product in a way that enlightens investors on its exceptional worth, without weighing the sheer multitude of tech startups competing for the eye of a few investors. Weigh in to the equation the charisma it requires to present a product in a captivating, relatable way and you may have just arrived.
“Arrived where?” you ask; at the very moment many entrepreneurs begin bootstrapping by enlisting the financial support of family or friends, crowdfunding, or simply pouring every dime they have into the launch. Very few find long-term success in this seed round; while many unknowingly start their way into the dreaded “valley of death.”
The Small Business Administration estimates that 90% of startups fail. Of those, 70% fail in 2-5 years (well into bootstrapping years and likely uncomfortably close to exhaustion of personal funds). And, up to 29% of those startups listed the reason for closing their doors as “lack of funding.” Daunting stats, we know. And if you are in the technology industry, odds are stacked even further against you with an oversaturated market to contend with.
But, here is the secret many startups fail to consider: Partnering with a solid PR firm takes the pressure off of you, the innovator, and allows your PR team to utilize their relational adeptness to share your story to attentive ears. Here are four reasons why every early-stage tech startup should think about partnering with a PR firm to grow and scale.
- You innovate. We educate. Your mind is that of a creator — of a service, a product, a brand. The power of a reputable, proven public relations firm is not in creating, but rather in crafting the story of what you created. You are the story; a skilled publicist on the other hand gets the honor of sharing it with those who will glean value from it
- You gain from another’s credibility. A strong PR partner is recognized and respected in the media world. Reporters, journalists, and producers from consumer and trade media outlets trust the reputation of a PR partner and recognize the value they bring; and because of that, will soon recognize your value as well.
- You build a formidable press portfolio. Targeted pitch campaigns orchestrate an opportunity for startups to build press portfolios that irresistibly invite the attention of both peers and potential larger investors, such as angel investors and venture capital firms. This gives investors an opportunity to realize their desperate desire to become part of your story.
- A credible publicist will cut through the noise and showcase YOU. They excel in representing your essence and showcasing your brand, leveraging their stature in media to accentuate the qualities that make both your product and brand stand out. They connect you to the right audience, provide a grand introduction, and slip off into the shadows to watch you shine. Now you have the attention you need to propel your startup into long-term success! And, if you are reading this and seeking a marked distinction in a very congested tech market, cutting through the noise is paramount to being discovered.
Regardless of what funding stage your startup is in today, we know the first 10 years of any startup requires taking massive risks. Are you an entrepreneur who knows the worth of your product but is struggling to communicate that to funding sources successfully? Does the prototype you hold have unrealized potential simply because the market is oversaturated?
Consider partnering with a proven PR firm willing to recognize the uniqueness of your story. Partner with a publicist willing to craft a compelling and strategic campaign to attract funding significant enough for your startup to surpass the survival stage and, instead, beautifully flourish.
It’s time for you to be known.
Contact Grapevine PR for more information.