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Why Most Startups Fail to Get National Press — and What To Do Instead
Why Most Startups Fail to Get National Press — and What To Do Instead

Entrepreneur

time17-07-2025

  • Business
  • Entrepreneur

Why Most Startups Fail to Get National Press — and What To Do Instead

Tech startups often struggle to gain national news coverage. Here's how startups can achieve that elusive national media attention. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. When you're launching a tech startup, it's natural to want attention — the kind of media coverage that builds credibility, attracts investors and validates your vision. But for most early-stage founders, that kind of visibility remains out of reach. The reality is this: for every breakout startup that gets wide recognition, thousands of others struggle to gain even a mention. Not because they lack innovation, but because they haven't built the right foundation to get noticed. So why do so many startups fail to earn meaningful media attention? And more importantly, what can they do about it? Why startups get overlooked by the media Many founders make the same early mistake: chasing high-level media exposure before they've clarified what makes their story relevant, credible or different. Here are a few of the most common missteps: No clear differentiation. In a saturated market, having a "great product" isn't enough. Founders need to be able to clearly and confidently explain what sets their startup apart. In a saturated market, having a "great product" isn't enough. Founders need to be able to clearly and confidently explain what sets their startup apart. No media-ready narrative. Journalists aren't looking to promote your product — they're looking to tell a story. If you haven't crafted a human-centered, problem-solution-driven narrative, your pitch likely won't stick. Journalists aren't looking to promote your product — they're looking to tell a story. If you haven't crafted a human-centered, problem-solution-driven narrative, your pitch likely won't stick. Poor timing. National news cycles are driven by relevance and urgency. If your story isn't tied to something current, insightful or timely, it's easy to be overlooked. And finally, many startups skip the essentials: building relationships, starting with niche publications and establishing credibility over time. Big coverage rarely comes without smaller wins first. Related: 90% of Startups Fail—Here's How I Made Sure I Was in the 10% What to do instead: a smarter PR strategy for startups While national press may be a long-term goal, early-stage startups are more likely to gain traction through a strategic, incremental approach. Here's how to start building visibility now — and set yourself up for bigger wins later. Start with niche and local press Instead of focusing only on broad national attention, identify local media outlets, vertical publications or industry newsletters relevant to your space. These are more accessible and often open to spotlighting new, compelling businesses. Try this: Make a list of five local or niche outlets. Note which reporters cover tech or business and start tracking what kinds of stories they write. Craft your origin story with intention What inspired your startup? What problem are you solving, and why does it matter now? A well-framed origin story — one rooted in real-world challenges — makes your brand feel relatable and relevant. Tip: Avoid overly technical explanations. Focus on the "why" behind your business, and make sure a journalist could retell your story in one paragraph. Build real relationships with journalists Before you pitch anyone, follow relevant journalists on platforms like LinkedIn or X. Engage with their posts. Share their work. Start showing up on their radar. Media outreach is more effective when it's built on familiarity, not a cold pitch. Develop a clear thought leadership angle Thought leadership builds trust and authority. Don't wait for media attention to position yourself as a credible voice — start writing. Focus on lessons learned, market insights or founder perspectives. Try this: Draft a short article titled "What I Learned Launching in a Crowded Market" or "How We Validated Our Startup Without Outside Funding." Share it on your blog or LinkedIn, or pitch it to a relevant trade publication. Repurpose and amplify every media win Even small mentions count. A podcast interview, a quote in a trade newsletter or a well-performing LinkedIn post can all be leveraged for credibility. Add these wins to your website, share them on social and use them to strengthen future pitches. Visibility compounds — and perceived momentum matters. Related: 5 Reasons Startups Fail (and Why Each One Is Preventable) The long game: start small, grow smart Every founder wants recognition, but media success isn't about luck, hype or chasing headlines. It's about strategy, relevance, and consistency. Start with what you can control: your message, your story, your presence. Focus on building meaningful relationships and sharing useful insights. Then use every small win to build momentum — step by step. Big stories often start small. But with a focused, intentional PR strategy, they don't have to stay that way. Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Join us at Level Up, a conference for ambitious business leaders to unlock new growth opportunities.

Andreessen Horowitz is the latest company to follow Elon Musk out of Delaware
Andreessen Horowitz is the latest company to follow Elon Musk out of Delaware

Yahoo

time09-07-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Andreessen Horowitz is the latest company to follow Elon Musk out of Delaware

VC firm Andreessen Horowitz is moving its corporation from Delaware to Nevada. The firm encouraged other executives to relocate as well. Elon Musk kicked off an exodus of companies leaving Delaware. A top venture capitalist firm is following in Elon Musk's footsteps and ditching Delaware. Andreessen Horowitz announced Wednesday it will move its primary business — AH Capital Management — to Nevada. Although Delaware has historically been a business-friendly state, a series of court rulings have led some executives to question whether that's still true. "In particular, Delaware courts can at times appear biased against technology startup founders and their boards," the firm said in a blog posted to its website. The firm added that the "legal uncertainty" has caused concern among "entrepreneurs and their professional investors who often sit on their boards." "As a result, many of the companies we fund and the entrepreneurs that we talk to are taking a second look at whether they should incorporate in other jurisdictions, prompted by the departure from Delaware of significant technology companies like Dropbox, Tripadvisor and Tesla," the firm wrote. Andreessen Horowitz said the firm could have moved to Nevada "quietly" but felt it was crucial to make the decision public. "For founders considering a similar move, there is often a reluctance to leave Delaware, based in part on concerns for how investors will react," the company said. "As the largest VC firm in the country, we hope that our decision signals to our portfolio companies and prospective portfolio companies that such concerns may be overblown." Andreessen Horowitz said it will continue to fund companies incorporated in Delaware, but considers Nevada a "viable alternative and may make sense for many founders." Representatives for Andreessen Horowitz did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Musk launched this trend of companies leaving Delaware after a Delaware court voided the Tesla CEO's $55 billion pay package in response to a 2018 lawsuit filed by a shareholder who thought the amount was excessive. As a result, Musk moved SpaceX to Texas. Other companies, including Roblox and Bill Ackman'sPershing Square Capital Management, followed suit. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer told Business Insider in February that the state is working to address concerns. In March, the state amended the Delaware General Corporation Law. "It's really important we get it right for Elon Musk or whoever the litigants are in Delaware courts," he said. "We're cognizant that there may be some things that need to change. We're going to work on them." Read the original article on Business Insider Sign in to access your portfolio

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