Why get featured in the press?
In this lesson, we explore the importance of leveraging public relations (PR) for climate tech entrepreneurs. Research shows that companies with more media coverage generally raise more funds, with those who had over 200 pieces of media coverage raising 5,000% more funds between their first funding round and series B. Taking note yet?
Why is public relations important for raising capital?
This course is all about helping you build a scalable brand. And a scalable brand means one that's investible. According to research from Hard Numbers, the brands that generate more media coverage, raise more capital. A lot more: Companies that had over 200 pieces of media coverage generally raised 5,000% more funds between first funding round and their series B.
Investors will often Google a company before investing, and media coverage can show public interest in your company and lend legitimacy to your product. Good press can also build credibility, put a face to your company's name, and spread your message to potential partners and like-minded professionals outside of your ecosystem.
A strong PR strategy can help build trust, create partnerships, and show momentum with other key stakeholders. It is an important aspect of building a scalable brand, which is essential for attracting investment.
You’re asking them for their cash, so they’re going to be as thorough as possible. They’ll dig deep into your work history, your website and your social feeds. But they won’t stop there. They’ll look around for any interaction that your company has had with the outside world as well.
And luckily for investors, Google basically acts as one big Yelp review. If your product or solution has been featured in the press then chances are that investors are going to view this favourably. Why?
Because it comes from a third party — media coverage demonstrates public interest in your company and shows legitimacy in your product.
Good press can put a face to your company’s name which builds credibility beyond your product and can give important context to your start-up’s story.
Press can show that you understand how the media game works and your ability to play along and thrive in an ecosystem outside of your own is a positive character trait in itself.
It can spread your message–your why–to investors outside your ecosystem and potentially expand your network by attracting like minded professionals.
A strong PR strategy will also help you build trust at the awareness stage, create partnerships, and show momentum with other key stakeholders.