Startup Funding - Everything you need to know
When you hear the term Startup funding, you probably think of pitch decks, venture capital firms, and investor meetings. But there’s one powerful tool that’s often overlooked: public relations (PR).
For high-growth Startups, securing funding—from Seed to Series A, B, and C—isn’t just about having a standout product. It’s about visibility, credibility, and trust. That’s where PR makes a difference.
If you're serious about standing out to investors, a well-executed PR strategy could be your most valuable asset.
Explore further PR strategies at Startup School – your resource for mastering Startup media, brand-building, and sustainable growth.
Key Takeaways - Startup funding & PR
1. Raise your profile early — get consistent media coverage to become familiar to investors.
2. Position your brand as credible — follow ethical communications (CIPR) and professional standards (PRCA).
3. Turn funding news into a story — highlight impact, growth, and market relevance (Forbes, 2025).
4. Tailor PR to your stage — pre-seed: focus on vision; Series A: show traction; Series B/C: emphasise partnerships and expansion.
4. Use PR to build trust with investors — showcase why customers, partners, and talent choose you.
5. Plan your PR strategically — map milestones and coverage in advance to maximise impact.
6. Invest in PR for growth — consistent, thoughtful PR strengthens brand equity and long-term funding opportunities.
What is Startup Funding?
When we talk about Startup funding, we mean the money a Startup raises to build, grow, and scale. Most Startups move through multiple stages:
1. Pre-seed: Typically founder cash, friends, or family, used to build a minimum viable product (MVP).
2. Seed: Money to validate your idea and early traction, often from angel investors or early-stage funds.
3. Series A: First big institutional round for scaling, hiring, and proving product-market fit.
4. Series B: Fueling rapid growth, expanding the team, and strengthening infrastructure.
4. Series C and beyond: Preparing for market leadership, acquisitions, or an IPO.
Each stage comes with increasing scrutiny from investors, so it’s not just your product or traction that matters — your visibility and credibility count too.
Why PR is a key part of the funding journey
1. Investor confidence begins with visibility
Investors are more likely to fund companies they’ve heard of. A consistent media presence—via top publications and trade press—builds familiarity and strengthens trust.
2. A recognisable brand makes fundraising smoother
Without a visible brand, every funding round becomes harder. PR helps ensure your company is already seen as credible and innovative before you ever open your pitch deck.
3. Turn your funding news into a strategic story
Investment rounds are milestones. Rather than issuing a basic press release, use the opportunity to tell a broader story—why the investment matters, what’s next, and what it means for your market.
4. PR builds long-term trust
Advertising has its place, but it doesn’t establish authority. Earned media coverage, interviews, and guest features help position your Startup as a serious, trustworthy player in your industry.
Why PR matters at every funding stage
1. PR builds investor confidence
Investors are more likely to fund companies they’ve heard of. Being visible in respected outlets, trade press, or industry news makes your Startup familiar and trustworthy.
Speaking with PRMoment, Words+Pixels founder Nick Braund states,
“Your strongest weapon to build trust will be highlighting why others have chosen to work, partner or join you. This works both to put your company in the investment shop window but also post-raise.” (PRMoment, 2025)
2. PR enhances credibility
Credibility is everything in the Startup world. By following the CIPR’s guidance on transparent and ethical communications, Startups can build trust with the people who matter most — from customers to investors (CIPR Code of Conduct).
At the same time, PRCA UK highlights the importance of professional standards to keep your messaging consistent and your brand seen in a positive light (PRCA Professional Standards).
Using PR thoughtfully doesn’t just get your Startup noticed — it signals that your business is reliable, professional, and worth backing.
3. Turn funding news into a story
Funding rounds aren’t just announcements — they’re opportunities to tell a bigger story. Why this investment matters, what it enables for your customers, and what it signals about your market impact.
Forbes Communications Council member Jessica Wong says,
"Storytelling and authentic narrative are now core elements of effective PR — expanding beyond traditional press releases to build emotional resonance, stronger engagement, and long-term visibility. (Forbes, 2025)
How to use PR at every stage of funding
Each funding stage should have a different PR focus:
Pre-seed / Seed- Highlight your vision, mission, and the problem you’re solving.
Series A- Show traction, customer success, and founder credibility.
Series B / C - Emphasise expansion, partnerships, and market impact.
Being intentional with PR makes you more visible to investors, journalists, and potential partners — turning each funding round into a strategic communication opportunity.
For more on preparing to work with a PR agency, see How to know you’re ready to work with a startup PR agency.
Final thought: PR is a strategic investment
Startups that treat PR as a core part of their growth strategy—not just a fundraising tool—tend to outperform those that don't. A strong PR programme builds lasting brand equity, draws in investment, and helps you maintain momentum beyond your funding rounds.
If your Startup is preparing to raise funds, now’s the time to invest in strategic communications. Done well, PR helps transform your startup from an unknown name into an unmissable opportunity.
Visit Startup School for practical guides, case studies, and expert insight on using PR to drive your startup’s growth and success.
FAQs: Startup Funding - Everything you need to know
1. What’s the difference between Series A, B, and C funding?
Series A: First major funding from venture capitalists. Focuses on growth and product-market fit.
Series B: Used to scale the business further, develop infrastructure, and grow revenue streams.
Series C: Supports major growth, acquisitions, or IPO prep.
2. Why does PR matter when raising funding?
PR builds visibility and trust—two things investors look for before making a decision. It helps you frame the narrative and control how your business is perceived in the market.
3. Can PR really help secure investment?
Yes. While PR doesn’t replace a sound business model, it improves your chances of being noticed, remembered, and taken seriously by investors.
