The client: Two Sigma Ventures portfolio companies (Tive, Per Diem, Facet, etc.)

The challenge: Funding rounds are growing bigger and reporter bandwidth is shrinking. For a funding round to stand out, a startup needs to make its story stand out — especially when the round is as “small” as $2M. With early-stage VC firm Two Sigma Ventures as a client, I led the launch strategy for seed and Series A-stage startups who were often launching the entire company out of stealth while announcing funding.

The solution: I guided portfolio companies through the key elements of a successful launch, including the narrative and messaging, blog and press release development and media strategy. With the goal of securing a strong feature in the top-priority outlet (typically TechCrunch) I developed relationships with key beat reporters to land the exclusive, while incorporating timely news hooks about why the funding matters now.

For example, shipment tracker Tive made its funding announcement right when the COVID-19 vaccines were approved — so we told the story of how Tive’s technology could help ensure the vaccines were shipped in the proper cold conditions needed.

TechCrunch: Per Diem raises $2.3M to help local businesses build subscription programs

TechCrunch: Facet raises $13M to add photo editing features Photoshop can only dream of

TechCrunch: Tive nabs $12M Series A to track shipment conditions in real time

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