How PR Can Be the Key to Your Startup’s Fundraising Success

PR can you help you fundraise in a multitude of ways, but it is especially helpful in difficult economic environments like the last year or so, which is why you need a startup fundraising PR plan. Now, 2024 was a presidential election year, which naturally causes anxiety among investors, corporations, and the ecosystem writ large, but now that there is an outcome, everyone can start planning for 2025.

How a Trump Presidency Impacts the Economy

Regardless of what you think about him, he’s now the President-elect, and will come with a Republican Senate and House. This blog won’t highlight his economic policies but it is important to set the stage. After his election, all three of the major indexes hit record highs. Granted, it was immediately after the election but Trump ran on improving the economy through lower taxes and slashing regulations, to name a few. Nevertheless, many are hopeful the economy will improve, capital will loosen, and M&A and public offerings will jump, increasing liquidity and deal flow. Given this, your startup fundraising PR goals should be an important part of your planning now, not in Q2 2025 when everything starts shaking loose.

What is PR Today?

Before the rise of the social media and content creation, PR was really media relations. PR or a communications specialists would leverage their relationship with a reporter and do their best to get their client in the news. Today, that’s a part of it, but is not at all the whole offering. In today’s digital world, PR is the engine behind how your brand goes out to the public. It is the strategic rollout of an announcement leveraging many different media platforms, including press attention, podcast pitching, blog writing, video creation, and sustained social media posting.  

Here’s How Good PR Helps You Fundraise

1. Building Credibility with Investors

Investors often evaluate companies based on their reputation and visibility in the market. PR helps you secure coverage in reputable industry publications and major media outlets, positioning your company as a credible and innovative player. According to a study by Edelman, 81% of investors consider media coverage when assessing companies. Positive press serves as a trust signal, reinforcing your company’s legitimacy and potential. Furthermore, investors will likely visit your website or social media profiles (or the profile of leadership), to prepare or get a feel for the company before the diligence call. If you post thoughtful content, or have video clips of an interesting soundbite, that will build credibility.

2. Amplifying Visibility

PR ensures your company gets noticed by the right audience, including investors. From media coverage of your milestones to strategic partnerships and product launches, a well-executed PR strategy ensures your company stays on investors’ radars. In fact, over 75% of venture capitalists scan media and social platforms for promising startups, making visibility a key factor in fundraising success.

3. Crafting a Compelling Story

Investors invest in more than just numbers—they invest in the “why” behind your company. PR helps craft a powerful narrative about your mission, vision, and the problem your company solves. Thought leadership articles, founder profiles, and in-depth media features can humanize your brand, helping you connect with investors on a deeper level and stand out from the competition. Even consistent posting on your social media profile, or appearances on podcasts about your journey or background can go a long way for someone doing research.

4. Supporting Your Pitch Deck

Media mentions, industry awards, and thought leadership pieces can add significant weight to your pitch deck. These elements showcase your market presence and expertise, making your pitch more compelling. When investors see third-party endorsements of your company, they’re more likely to trust your vision and feel confident in backing you.

5. Leveraging Social Proof

Investors are heavily influenced by public perception. Studies show that over 70% of institutional investors take strong media endorsements, awards, and online reviews into account when evaluating companies. PR can amplify these accolades, creating a positive feedback loop that strengthens your brand and attracts more investor interest.

6. Increasing Valuation

Startups with strong media coverage often command higher valuations. PR campaigns that showcase your growth metrics, unique positioning, and market opportunity can shift investor perceptions and increase your company’s perceived value. Something as simple as being a guest on a prominent podcast, or being on a webinar panel with a respected industry colleague can go a long way towards shifting perspectives. 

Why PR Matters in Fundraising

PR is more than just generating buzz—it’s about building trust, visibility, and momentum. By incorporating PR into your fundraising strategy, you ensure that your company not only gets noticed but is also positioned as a credible and exciting investment opportunity.

If you’re preparing for a funding round, consider how a thoughtful PR strategy can give you the edge. Whether it’s securing media coverage, crafting your brand story, or amplifying your milestones, PR could be the missing piece that takes your fundraising efforts to the next level.

In summary, having a startup fundraising PR plan can significantly enhance your company’s appeal to investors by building credibility, increasing visibility, and demonstrating market validation.