Busy start to 2025 – nonetheless, the first #FridayPR101Day of the year is upon us, and this week we’re diving into how VCs and investors can amplify their portfolio companies’ success with the power of PR.
PR isn’t just a tool for founders—it’s a strategic advantage for investors too. Done right, it can amplify your portfolio’s impact, attract opportunities, and even strengthen your own reputation as a thought leader in the tech space. PR also isn’t just about media coverage—it’s about crafting the right narratives and making sure your investments are part of the right conversations.
So, how can you leverage PR effectively as a VC?
1. Get Your Portfolio Companies on the Map
Every win is worth celebrating. Whether it’s a funding announcement, groundbreaking product launch, or exciting new hire, strategic PR helps your portfolio companies make headlines. The right PR strategy helps your portfolio companies create credibility and ensure they stand out to customers, partners, and the wider market.
2. Elevate Your Own Brand
Investors aren’t just ‘backers’—they’re thought leaders. As an investor, your perspective on tech trends and innovation carries weight. Sharing your insights through thought leadership—be it blogs, op-eds, or speaking engagements—not only strengthens your brand but also reflects positively on your portfolio. Your voice can position you as the go-to expert in your niche.
3. Be the Calm in the Storm
Not every day is smooth sailing. When crisis hits—be it a product hiccup, reputational risks, or internal changes—your ability to guide your portfolio companies with a clear PR strategy to address challenges, can help minimise fallout and keep their reputation (and yours!) intact.
4. Help Them Win the Talent War
A strong employer brand is key for tech startups competing for top talent which is in high demand, and PR can give your portfolio companies the edge they need to ‘win’. Help your portfolio companies tell their story in a way that excites prospective employees. From building a compelling employer brand to crafting stories that inspire potential hires, PR isn’t just for customers—it’s for future employees too.
5. Share the Spotlight
When one of your portfolio companies achieves a major milestone (major client win, partnership etc.), make noise about it, use PR to amplify their story. Not only does it boost their visibility, but it also reinforces your reputation as a savvy investor. Win-win!
6. Set the Stage for the Next Big Thing
PR isn’t just reactive—it’s strategic. Use it to support your firm’s fundraising efforts, showcase your ecosystem-building work, and attract new opportunities for both you and your portfolio companies.
Strengthen Ecosystem Impact
PR is a powerful tool for long-term strategy. Use it to share your fund’s broader vision, attract new LPs, and highlight how you’re building connections across your portfolio. It’s not just about investments; it’s about the ecosystem you’re creating.
Pro Tips:
- Coordinate Messaging: Collaborate with your companies to align PR messaging and narratives—this consistency builds trust and clarity.
- Share your media network with your portfolio founders. It’s all about who you know! Introduce your founders to journalists and publications that align with their stories.
- Media Training: And don’t forget media training—help your founders shine when it’s their turn in the spotlight. The better they handle interviews and public speaking, the stronger their story (and yours) becomes.
The bottom line? PR isn’t just about making noise—it’s about building momentum, creating value, and setting the stage for long-term success. When you integrate it into your strategy, it’s not just your companies that win—it’s your entire portfolio. So, how are you planning to harness the power of PR in 2025?
I’m a tech PR professional with over 14 years of experience. Got questions or want to plan your strategy? Let’s connect!
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