Why start-ups need PR from day one
In 2025, the start-up world has never been more crowded. Thousands of new ventures launch every week, but only a handful cut through to customers, investors or even potential hires. The difference isn’t always the product. It’s the storytelling.
Too many founders still treat PR as something to “add later” once funding arrives. But the smartest start-ups are using PR from the start to attract investors, build credibility, and create early momentum while others are still fine-tuning their decks.
The visibility gap
Company registrations are at record levels globally and in the UK. Yet despite the sheer number of new businesses, only a small fraction gain genuine public or investor awareness.
Research from CB Insights found that start-ups with regular press coverage raised 35% more in Series A funding than those without any media visibility. PR doesn’t just raise profiles it accelerates growth.
What PR actually does for a start-up
Forget “buzz”. Early-stage PR is about building trust with investors, journalists, and the market. Done well, it helps a founding team:
- Establish credibility early on
- Show purpose before marketing budgets scale
- Communicate product relevance even pre-launch
- Support hiring, by giving potential employees something to believe in
- Strengthen positioning ahead of funding rounds
Building a smart startup PR strategy
Founders shouldn’t wait until they’re raising capital to tell their story. The most successful teams start early, with a few simple building blocks:
- A clear founder story – why you, why now
- Press-ready assets – short bios, a company fact sheet, and sharp Q&A notes
- Milestone mapping – plan coverage around launches, hires, and funding news
- Targeted outreach – focus on the journalists and podcasts that actually matter in your space
- Consistency – the message should evolve, not restart, with every announcement
Visibility isn’t about going viral. It’s about being remembered by the right people.
Why early PR pays off
When PR runs alongside product development, it does more than generate headlines. It builds confidence. It humanises the founder. And it shows momentum which investors, customers and candidates all respond to.
We’ve seen it across sectors: property tech, prop-services, fintech, lifestyle and B2B start-ups alike. Those who start communicating early attract stronger partners and grow faster.
How Proper PR supports early-stage businesses
Our start-up support model is built for agility and results. We help founders clarify their story, map the right media, and deliver visibility that drives credibility fast.
We can help you:
- Define your founder narrative
- Build your press toolkit
- Plan your comms around funding or launch milestones
- Gain coverage in the titles that matter most to your audience
- Strengthen investor and partner communications
We offer rolling retainers designed for speed, clarity, and measurable results.
Final Thoughts
In a market this busy, communication is a competitive edge. Founders who invest in PR early are recognised faster, trusted sooner, and remembered longer.
Whether you’re pre-launch or pre-funding, it’s never too early to shape the story you want the market to tell about you.