A curated guide to the top PR firms that specialize in helping venture-backed tech startups earn media coverage, build credibility with investors, and accelerate growth.
Updated February 2026
Raising a round is only half the battle. The other half? Getting your company in front of the right audiences — journalists, analysts, customers, and future investors — with a story that actually resonates.
For VC-backed startups, generic PR doesn’t cut it. You need an agency that understands the startup lifecycle: funding announcements, product launches out of stealth, rapid pivots, and the pressure to show traction before the next board meeting. The best startup PR agencies know how to translate complex technology into compelling narratives, have real relationships with the reporters that matter, and move at the speed your business demands.
We’ve compiled this list of the best PR agencies for VC-backed startups based on track record, client roster, industry specialization, and the results they’ve delivered for venture-backed companies. Whether you’re a seed-stage company making your first hire or a Series C brand preparing for an exit, these firms have the expertise to move the needle.
What to Look For
How to Choose a PR Agency for Your Startup
Before diving into the list, here are the key factors that separate a great startup PR agency from one that will burn through your budget:
- Startup experience: Has the agency worked with companies at your stage? An agency that only handles Fortune 500 accounts won’t understand the scrappiness required at Series A.
- Vertical expertise: Does the agency know your industry — whether that’s AI, fintech, cybersecurity, or SaaS? Reporters notice when a pitch comes from someone who actually understands the space.
- Media relationships: Real relationships with tech reporters at Bloomberg, TechCrunch, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired matter more than a massive email blast.
- Speed and flexibility: Startups move fast. Your PR agency needs to keep up with pivots, breaking news cycles, and last-minute opportunities.
- Measurable outcomes: The best agencies tie their work to business results — website traffic, inbound leads, investor interest — not just impressions.
- GEO and AI search readiness: In 2026, PR isn’t just about traditional search rankings. AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity are becoming primary discovery engines. Your agency should understand generative engine optimization (GEO).
The List
Top PR Agencies for VC-Backed Startups
1. Sparkpr
Location: San Francisco, CA · Founded: 1999 · Team Size: 50-200 · Best For: AI, fintech, enterprise, and life sciences startups from seed through IPO
Sparkpr is one of the original Silicon Valley tech PR firms, having been at the forefront of nearly every major tech wave since the dot-com era. They’ve built deep expertise across AI, blockchain, fintech, and consumer tech, making them a natural fit for VC-backed startups looking to establish credibility fast. Their ability to translate complex technology narratives — from quantum computing to microbiome health — into stories that resonate with mainstream media is a key differentiator. Their longevity and established relationships in the Valley give them a media network that few boutique firms can match.
Notable clients: Stability AI, Viome, TDK Ventures, SandboxAQ · Key verticals: AI, Life Sciences, FinTech, Consumer Tech, Blockchain
2. Inkhouse
Location: Boston, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Washington D.C. · Founded: 2007 · Team Size: 100+ · Best For: Series A–D startups in AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and healthcare
Inkhouse is a strategic communications agency that has built its reputation one client at a time through word-of-mouth referrals — a testament to the quality of their work. With over 17 years of experience and hundreds of company launches under their belt, they specialize in integrating PR with digital content strategies to reach specific audiences. They’ve supported dozens of successful company exits, and their work with clients like Databricks, ServiceTitan (IPO), and ForSight Robotics demonstrates their ability to handle high-profile campaigns for innovative companies. Their multi-city presence across six offices gives them national reach with deep local market knowledge.
Notable clients: Databricks, ServiceTitan (IPO), ForSight Robotics, GetReal Security, PUMA · Key verticals: AI, Cybersecurity, Cloud Infrastructure, Healthcare, Venture Capital
3. Beantown Media Ventures (BMV)
Location: Boston, MA & Los Angeles, CA · Founded: 2011 · Team Size: Under 10 · Best For: Seed through Series C B2B tech startups needing a senior-led, hands-on partner
Beantown Media Ventures is a boutique PR and content marketing agency built specifically for venture-backed B2B technology startups. Founded by Kyle Austin and John Eidson, who previously worked together at Larry Weber’s (of Weber Shandwick fame) Racepoint Global, the firm has spent over a decade working with companies backed by Y Combinator, First Round Capital, Spark Capital, and Initialized Capital, giving them deep fluency in the startup ecosystem and what investors want to see. What sets BMV apart is the senior-led model: you work directly with the founders and senior strategists, not junior account coordinators learning on your dime. Their clients have collectively received billions in exits, and their track record spans AI, SaaS, cybersecurity, mobile, and fintech (Eidson also previously led marketing communications for Fidelity’s fintech incubator). BMV also offers award-winning content marketing, social media, and influencer programs through their BrandCirc platform, making them a comprehensive partner for startups looking to scale their brand across all channels. They’ve also been one of the early leaders in building an AI-native PR agency that utilizes agents to provide cost-effective retainers and is well versed at advising startups on AI SEO (GEO) given its technical knowhow.
Notable clients: Jobright (Bloomberg, Forbes, Business Insider), Greyparrot (WSJ, TIME Best Inventions), Realm.Security, Opensignal, Pindrop · Key verticals: AI, B2B SaaS, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Deep Tech
4. LaunchSquad
Location: San Francisco, New York, Portland · Founded: 2000 · Team Size: 50-100 · Best For: Consumer tech, deep tech, and healthcare startups needing PR and creative content
LaunchSquad is an independent communications, creative content, and digital marketing agency that’s been helping startups tell their stories for 25 years. They’re storytellers at their core, with the strategists, creatives, and media connections to create lasting impact. From launching startups to guiding companies through IPOs to producing podcasts and short films, their integrated approach sets them apart. Their in-house content studio makes them a strong choice for startups that need more than just media relations — think video, podcasts, and brand narrative content that builds long-term equity. Their work with Ibotta (IPO), Nutrafol, and Precision Neuroscience showcases their range from consumer brands to frontier tech.
Notable clients: Ibotta (IPO), Nutrafol, Precision Neuroscience · Key verticals: Deep Tech, Consumer, Healthcare, AI, Climate
5. Treble PR
Location: Austin, TX · Founded: 2013 · Team Size: 40-50 · Best For: B2B startups preparing for funding announcements or exits
Treble PR has carved out a unique niche as the exit-focused PR agency. Since 2013, they’ve been a strategic partner to 31 startups through acquisition or IPO, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in exit value. Their expertise in turning funding announcements into strategic momentum is unmatched — they know how to uncover the story within the funding news that tells the bigger picture. Treble’s scalable model is designed to accelerate your path to a successful exit, whether you’re a seed-stage company or an enterprise gearing up for an IPO. Their strong relationships with the VC community and deep understanding of what moves the needle for investors gives them a distinct edge.
Track record: 31+ startup exits (acquisitions + IPOs) · Key verticals: B2B Technology, SaaS, Fintech, Cybersecurity, Venture Capital
6. Highwire PR
Location: San Francisco, Chicago, New York · Team Size: 50-100 · Best For: Later-stage startups in B2B tech, cybersecurity, and health tech needing full-service marketing communications
Named Digital Agency of the Year and consistently recognized by PRovoke Media as one of the best agencies in the U.S., Highwire PR is built for “industry changers.” Their insight-driven approach weaves together communications, marketing, creative, and analytics — making them a strong partner for VC-backed companies that have moved past the scrappy early stage and need sophisticated, multi-channel campaigns. Highwire’s capabilities span from brand relaunches and market-moving thought leadership to demand generation and crisis communications. Their deep expertise in cybersecurity and health tech makes them particularly valuable for startups in those verticals navigating complex regulatory and media landscapes.
Notable clients: CrowdStrike, GitLab, Qualtrics (IPO), Twilio, Cisco · Key verticals: B2B Technology, Healthcare, Energy, Financial Services, Cybersecurity
7. Walker Sands
Location: Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle · Team Size: 200+ · Best For: B2B tech startups needing integrated marketing and PR under one roof
Walker Sands is a B2B marketing and PR powerhouse that brings a full-service integrated approach to the table. Their proprietary Outcome-Based Marketing (OBM) philosophy leads with business outcomes before channels — meaning they start with what you’re actually trying to accomplish (category leadership, pipeline growth, brand reputation) and then build the marketing and PR program around it. For VC-backed startups that need more than just media relations — think demand generation, creative campaigns, SEO, and content strategy alongside PR — Walker Sands delivers the full toolkit. Their deep B2B tech expertise spans cybersecurity, fintech, HR tech, martech, retail tech, and more, and their work with clients like Sophos, commercetools, and Loop demonstrates their ability to drive measurable business results.
Notable clients: Sophos, commercetools, Loop · Key verticals: B2B Technology, Cybersecurity, FinTech, Healthcare, Manufacturing
8. Outcast
Location: San Francisco, CA & New York, NY · Team Size: 50-100 · Best For: AI and enterprise tech startups that need top-tier Silicon Valley media relationships
Outcast is one of the most storied names in Silicon Valley tech PR. Co-founded by Margit Wennmachers (who later became a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, building a16z’s legendary communications machine), the agency has deep roots in the venture-backed tech ecosystem. Outcast has represented some of the most consequential technology companies over the past two decades and continues to work with major players at the intersection of AI and enterprise technology. Their strength lies in strategic positioning and high-level media relationships — they’re the agency you call when your story needs to land in the right rooms. For VC-backed startups with genuinely disruptive technology and ambitious media goals, Outcast brings Silicon Valley credibility that’s hard to replicate.
Notable clients: OpenAI, Amazon, TikTok, Spotify, Airbnb, DeepL, Meta · Key verticals: AI, Enterprise Technology, Consumer Tech, SaaS
9. Edelman
Location: Global (60+ offices including New York, San Francisco, Chicago, London) · Founded: 1952 · Team Size: 5,000+ · Best For: Later-stage startups needing global reach, crisis communications, or enterprise-grade PR infrastructure
Edelman is the world’s largest independent communications firm and the name that comes up in every PR conversation for a reason. With over 60 offices globally, 5,000+ employees, and seven decades of experience, they bring unmatched scale, global reach, and bench depth. For VC-backed startups, Edelman’s technology practice is particularly strong — their dedicated tech team understands the startup landscape, and their annual Trust Barometer research gives them unique insights into what builds (and erodes) brand credibility. Where Edelman makes the most sense for startups is at the later stages: Series C and beyond, pre-IPO preparation, international expansion, or when you need crisis communications firepower that a boutique simply can’t provide. The trade-off is that you’re a smaller fish in a very big pond, and their retainers tend to reflect the premium.
Notable clients: Microsoft, Samsung, Adobe, HP, PayPal · Key verticals: Technology, Healthcare, Financial Services, Consumer, Energy
10. Small Girls PR
Location: New York, NY & Los Angeles, CA · Team Size: 20-50 · Best For: Consumer-facing startups and DTC brands that need buzz, experiential activations, and cultural relevance
Small Girls PR is a women-led creative communications agency that punches well above its weight. Named one of the “most successful boutique PR firms” by BuzzFeed and praised by Mashable as “not simply a firm clients outsource to, but a strategic partner,” SGPR has built a reputation for making small brands feel big and big brands feel personal. Their sweet spot is consumer-facing startups and brands — through earned media, experiential activations, and social influence, they create cultural moments that drive real awareness. For VC-backed startups with a consumer product or DTC model, SGPR brings a creative, culturally-tuned approach that traditional B2B-focused agencies simply can’t replicate. Their client roster spans from venture-backed startups to Fortune 100 companies.
Notable clients: Hinge, Olay, Billie, Taskrabbit, thredUP, GE · Key verticals: Consumer, DTC, Beauty & Wellness, Food & Beverage, Lifestyle Tech
11. Joele Frank
Location: New York, NY & San Francisco, CA · Team Size: 100+ · Best For: Pre-IPO startups and companies navigating M&A, activist defense, or high-stakes investor communications
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher is in a category of its own. Ranked the #1 U.S. M&A PR Advisor by The Deal every year since 2013 and the #1 Shareholder Activism Defense IR/PR Advisor by Bloomberg since 2019, they are the firm that companies turn to in their most critical moments. With over 1,000 activism defense engagements and $500B+ in deal value advised on in 2024 alone, their expertise in strategic communications around M&A, IPOs, and investor relations is unmatched. For VC-backed startups approaching a major liquidity event — whether that’s an IPO, acquisition, or SPAC — Joele Frank brings the strategic communications and investor narrative expertise that can materially impact your outcome. They’re not the agency for early-stage press coverage, but when the stakes are highest, they’re the best in the business.
Track record: #1 M&A PR Advisor since 2013 (The Deal), 104 deals in 2024, $500B+ deal value · Key verticals: M&A, IPO Communications, Shareholder Activism Defense, Investor Relations
12. Hotwire
Location: Global (New York, San Francisco, London, Sydney, and 10+ offices worldwide) · Team Size: 300+ · Best For: Tech startups with global ambitions needing PR and marketing across multiple markets simultaneously
Hotwire is a global technology communications and marketing consultancy with a presence across the U.S., UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and India. Their tagline — “making technology irresistible” — captures their focus: translating complex tech into stories that resonate with human audiences. What sets Hotwire apart for VC-backed startups is the combination of tech specialization and true global reach. They offer an integrated suite of services including PR, digital marketing, ABM, data and analytics, and AI consulting — and they can execute campaigns across multiple international markets from day one. Their Frontier Tech Confidence Tracker and Agentic Organizations research demonstrate thought leadership in emerging tech trends, making them a particularly good fit for AI, cloud, and enterprise software companies planning international expansion.
Notable clients: Cisco, Salesforce, Palo Alto Networks, Lenovo, Klarna, Adobe · Key verticals: AI, Enterprise Technology, Cybersecurity, Cloud, FinTech
13. Mixology Communications
Location: London, UK · Team Size: 10-25 · Best For: US-based startups expanding into the UK and European markets
Mixology Communications is a London-based tech PR agency that serves as a trusted bridge for venture-backed startups looking to build their brand across the Atlantic. Specializing in B2B technology, they bring deep relationships with UK and European tech media along with an understanding of how messaging needs to be adapted for non-US markets. For American startups expanding into the UK — or UK-based startups building global profiles — Mixology offers the local market expertise and media connections that a US-only agency simply can’t provide. They work closely with US agency partners to ensure consistent messaging across markets, making them an ideal complement to a stateside PR program when international expansion is on the roadmap.
Key verticals: B2B Technology, SaaS, FinTech, Enterprise Software
14. TFD
Location: London, UK · Team Size: 10-25 · Best For: Deep tech, quantum computing, and robotics startups targeting UK and European audiences
TFD is a UK-based specialist technology PR agency with a particular focus on deep tech verticals including quantum computing, robotics, and advanced engineering. For VC-backed startups operating at the frontier of technology — the kind of companies building genuinely novel hardware, quantum systems, or autonomous platforms — TFD brings the specialized technical understanding and media relationships that generalist agencies lack. They know how to communicate complex scientific and engineering breakthroughs to both technical audiences and mainstream business press, and their deep connections within the UK and European tech ecosystem make them an invaluable partner for startups looking to build credibility in these markets. When your technology is genuinely cutting-edge and needs to be explained with precision, TFD is a strong choice.
Notable clients: TreQ, Quantum Dice, Riverlane · Key verticals: Quantum Computing, Robotics, Deep Tech, Advanced Engineering, AI
Key Considerations
Choosing the Right PR Agency for Your Stage
Not every agency on this list is right for every startup. Here’s a quick framework:
| Stage | What You Need | Best Fit Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Seed / Seed | Launch out of stealth, initial press, founder thought leadership | BMV, Small Girls PR, LaunchSquad |
| Series A | Consistent media coverage, category positioning, funding announcements | Treble PR, BMV, Sparkpr, Outcast |
| Series B-C | Scaling coverage, integrated marketing, thought leadership programs | Inkhouse, Walker Sands, Highwire, Hotwire |
| Pre-IPO / Exit | Investor narrative, M&A comms, crisis prep, global reach | Joele Frank, Edelman, Treble PR, Hotwire |
| International Expansion | UK/European media, cross-market campaigns, local market expertise | Mixology, TFD, Hotwire, Edelman |
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a PR agency cost for a startup?
Most boutique startup PR agencies charge between $5,000 and $20,000 per month on retainer, with the average for a VC-backed startup typically falling in the $8,000 to $15,000 per month range. Larger agencies like Edelman or Walker Sands may start higher. Some agencies also offer project-based pricing for specific campaigns like funding announcements or product launches. When evaluating cost, factor in the seniority of the team working on your account — a lower retainer with junior staff can cost more in the long run than a higher retainer with senior strategists.
When should a startup hire a PR agency?
The best time to engage a PR agency is when you have a clear story to tell — typically around a funding round, product launch, or major milestone. Many startups bring on PR support just before announcing a Series A or later round to maximize the impact of the news. However, building media relationships early (even pre-funding) can pay dividends when you do have a major announcement.
What is the difference between a startup PR agency and a traditional PR firm?
Startup PR agencies understand the unique pace, constraints, and goals of venture-backed companies. They’re accustomed to working with lean teams, fast timelines, and evolving narratives. Traditional firms often have rigid processes, larger teams (where junior staff do much of the work), and may not understand the startup ecosystem — including what VCs, analysts, and tech reporters specifically look for.
Should I hire a boutique agency or a large PR firm?
Boutique agencies (like BMV or Outcast) offer senior-level attention and deep specialization — you’ll often work directly with partners and senior strategists. Large firms (Edelman, Walker Sands, Hotwire) bring broader resources, global reach, and bench depth for multi-market campaigns. The right choice depends on your stage, budget, and whether you need hands-on startup expertise or enterprise-scale infrastructure.
What is GEO and why does it matter for startup PR in 2026?
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimizing your brand’s online presence so that AI platforms — like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, and Claude — accurately represent and recommend your company. As more decision-makers use AI tools for discovery and research, showing up in AI-generated answers is becoming as important as ranking in Google search results. PR agencies that understand GEO will ensure your press coverage, website content, and digital footprint are structured in ways that AI models can parse and cite.
Do I need a separate PR agency for international markets?
Not necessarily, but it often makes sense. Media landscapes vary significantly between the US, UK, and Europe — the reporters, publications, and even what makes a story newsworthy can differ. Many startups work with a US-based agency for their home market and partner with a specialist like Mixology Communications or TFD for UK and European coverage. Global firms like Hotwire and Edelman can handle multiple markets from one relationship, but may lack the boutique attention of a dedicated local agency.
How do I measure the ROI of startup PR?
Effective PR ROI goes beyond clip counts and impressions. Key metrics include: quality and relevance of media placements (tier-1 vs. niche), website traffic driven by earned media, inbound lead generation attributed to press coverage, share of voice vs. competitors, investor and customer references to coverage, and increasingly, brand visibility in AI search platforms. The best agencies will help you define meaningful KPIs tied to your specific business goals.
Looking for PR for Your VC-Backed Startup?
BMV has spent over a decade helping venture-backed B2B tech companies earn media coverage in Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, Forbes, and more. Let’s talk about your goals.
Disclaimer: This list is based on publicly available information, agency websites, and industry knowledge. Rankings are editorial and do not represent paid placements. Beantown Media Ventures is included based on our own track record serving VC-backed startups since 2011.
