By Wildfire PR
Congratulations, you’ve raised funding! But before you blast out a press release, you need to think of a strategy.
Every day, dozens of startups announce their latest round, and most of them get… crickets. Why? Because a funding announcement on its own isn’t a story. If you want to grab the attention of investors, customers, and talent alike, you need to make your funding news work harder.
Let’s get into it.
1. Know that timing is everything
Many startups rush to announce their funding as soon as the deal closes. But if you want maximum impact, timing matters.
Our top tip? Align with industry trends. Journalists will be compelled to cover your funding if it ties into a broader movement that’s going to resonate with their audiences. For example, if you’re a climate tech startup raising funding while global sustainability efforts are making headlines, your announcement is much more likely to gain traction.
You could also consider an exclusive approach. Instead of blasting out a press release to everyone, offer the story to a top-tier journalist first. If they bite, it increases your chances of getting a high-quality article instead of a short news mention that gets lost on a PR feed.
2. Make it about more than just the money
Instead of leading with “X startup raises £10M,” position it as “My company raises £10M to solve this big problem and scale this impactful solution.” A funding figure alone doesn’t tell a compelling story. You need to give people a reason to care.
Ask yourself:
- What problem are you solving?
- How will the money be used?
- Who backed you, and why does it matter?
- Is there a human angle I can add? *
*If your funding round was especially challenging or unique, include that. People connect with stories––especially ones sharing a founder’s struggle and sacrifice––not stats.
3. Remember: Journalists don’t work for you
Journalists get hundreds of startup pitches daily. To stand out, respect their time and give them what they need upfront. (ICYMI here’s our previous blog on the fundamentals for getting noticed by journalists.)
Sending your funding news to a journalist who covers AI when you’re a fintech startup is a waste of everybody’s time. Do your research and pitch reporters who actually write about your industry. Then, be sure to tailor your email to them––show that you’ve read their past work and explain why your news is relevant to their audience.
4. Use your own social media
Getting featured in TechCrunch is great, but your audience lives beyond just one publication. Use your own channels to extend the reach of your funding news. Post on LinkedIn, X, and any other platforms you’re on. Ask your investors, advisors, and even family and friends to share the news on their social media, too.
Sharing the good news
The best funding announcements spark conversations. By timing strategically, telling a great story, making life easy for journalists, and using multiple channels, you’ll ensure your good news gets the attention it deserves.
About Wildfire
They are an award-winning PR agency partnering with technology companies worldwide to transform ambition into action. Their ‘Think Bold’ approach blends boundary-pushing creativity with data-driven insights, empowering clients to launch meaningful campaigns that deliver standout results.
If you would like to get in touch with Wildfire PR and claim a free consultation or PR audit, get in touch today or email ec@wildfirepr.com.