Top 10 Startups that Successfully Gained Media Attention -- Here's How you Can Do the Same

In a world where startups face challenges like scaling profitability and growing their workforce, media attention isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for survival and success.

But does securing media coverage actually make a difference?

Absolutely! From startups to industry giants, every brand craves to secure solid media attention. Wondering how you can achieve the same level of recognition?

Let’s dive into real-world examples of 10 startups below that cracked the code to media success.

Top 10 Startups that Successfully Gained Media Attention -- Here's How you Can Do the Same

1. Mistral

Founded in 2023, Mistral is a Paris based AI startup that specializes in large language models for text generation (VALUED OVER $6 Billion).

The PR Secret:

Mistral worked on a straightforward yet effective media approach. Their PR team formed a collaboration with Orange and also reached out to famous VC firms.

This way, their company had already secured a huge media coverage without even approaching journalists or writing pitching emails.

2. Sweep

Sweep is another Paris based company that was founded in 2020 and works on sustainability data management, research, and information tracking.

The Secret Media Attention Strategy

Unlike Mistral, Sweep secured exceptional media attention by focusing on their audience's needs. The company helped many businesses manage their sustainability goals, pitched journalists, and offered free access as a "Free Trial" to many media outlets.

The result?

Sweep has been featured in media outlets highlighting corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability, evaluating over billions of dollars.

3. Dust

Ever heard about the AI boom?

That's what Dust cashed in. A company that specializes in customized AI bots and helps companies to automate tasks.

Secret To PR:

Dust focused on media attention through social media platforms. Even to date, their social media team regularly posts the practical applications of AI in business operations. Their offerings of customized AI bots are also posted and the best part?

The startup showcases efficiency and innovation as its prime goal behind the business across numerous industry events.

4. ElevenLabs

ElevenLabs is an AI intelligence-based company that was founded in 2022.

Media Attention Strategy:

ElevenLabs secured media attention because of their Series A funding of $19 Million but that wasn't it. The founders also cashed in their previous experience and the association with Google and Palantir employees.

During the hiring days, ElevenLabs exclusively focused on ex-Google and Palantir employees, which forced the startup to give high-paychecks but got free media attention. Other than that, the startup's groundbreaking work in AI solutions and voice enhancements has also made it a media darling in discussions.

5. Good Glamm Group

Good Glamm Group is an Indian content-to-commerce conglomerate that achieved unicorn status in 2021. It's secret to PR? Let us unfold.

Secret To Media Attention:

Good Glamm Group secured media attention through securing funding from famous VCs and industry involvement. Since the brand deals in the beauty sector and influencer divisions, they simply used the "Freemium model" and allowed the influencers to test out their services.

And just like that, the brand created an ecosystem that resonates with the customers, and a strategy that keeps them in the spotlight.

6. Flyfin

Flyfin is an AI-powered tax preparation service that combines public accountants and AI chatbots. The results?

Simple, automated, and accurate AI solutions.

Media Attention Strategy:

Flyfin focuses on niche-market advertisements and uses the traditional model of PR. They made it to the big outlets by pitching to journalists and positioned themselves as a pioneer in tax automation services.

Plus, with a customer first approach, it's no surprise that media outlets often highlight innovative integration of technology.

7. Cohere

Cohere is a Toronto-based startup that offers language processing models to improve human-machine interactions. Their prime focus is on developers and it was founded in 2019.

Media Attention Strategy:

Cohere secured media attention, thanks to their innovative NLP models, that have been featured in many industry events. The founders have also participated in relevant podcasts, and forum discussions, about the advancement of AI.

Other than that, Cohere also collaborated with notable tech giants and secured free media coverage.

8. Kore.ai

Although it's one of the oldest AI enterprise platforms in conversational AI, it recently secured media attention. This showcases how PR efforts can fail just as quickly as they can succeed.

Here's their secret to PR magic.

Media Attention Strategy:

Kore.ai positioned its enterprise solutions as the base of the PR strategy. The founders attended podcasts and industry meetings and discussed how conversational AI is a perfect solution for regular tasks. They also collaborated with brands to get featured in media outlets.

9. Overjet

Using the FDA-cleared AI technology, Overjet AI deals in clinical care and administrative efficiency. They mainly aid dental providers and have been in business since 2018.

Media Attention Strategy:

Overjet since day 1, has focused on featuring their dental solutions and efficient AI solutions. The company secured FDA clearance, and immediately collaborated with healthcare institutions. Likewise, they also pitched to media outlets through emails, and finally, secured solid media coverage about improving patient outcomes and operational workflows in dentistry.

10. Skylo

Skylo aims to provide affordable, satellite-based IoT solutions. Their main focus is on improving user connectivity in remote areas using satellites.

Media Attention Strategy:

Knowing the problem, Skylo ran advertisements on how they wanted to improve the lives of millions. Their solutions were already solid and the company added the last pitching element... Media Pitching!

Skylo pitched to many Tier 1 and Tier 2 media outlets, focusing on how they solve global connectivity issues and its innovative approach to IoT technology.

What’s In It For You? Explaining The Secret Methods Used By These 10 Startups!

Honestly, it isn't that hard to make the journalists notice your startup. Especially if you know the right tricks like these 10 startups did.

Let us highlight how they were different from many others who could only try.

Brand Collaborations: Getting Big Names on Your Side

When small companies team up with big industry leaders, it's not regular news. Everyone pays attention and wants to know the "Why", especially the journalists.

For example, in the case of Mistral (flashback to 1st company on the list), their partnership got them noticed by the media.

Likewise, founders can also start working on brand collaborations. The motive is to introduce your product/services and create something cool. And when the big brand creates something cool, every reporter would want to learn more about the collaborator.

Getting Money From Famous Investors: A News Magnet

Raising money from big and famous investors is also an easy way to get media attention. ElevenLabs did the exact same when they raised $19 Million from well-known investors.

Here's the tough part. Not every startup founder can just get up from the bed and think about convincing investors. Startup funding is a challenge of its own. Investors question your startup idea, ROI, estimated time to achieve goals, roadmap, and much more.

But once you secure that funding, the news spreads fast.

Pitching Your Story to Journalists: Sharing Your Big Ideas

The same old-conventional, but highly effective method of media coverage. Pitch Your Story!

Startups like Overjet gave a clear demonstration of how their AI tech improved lives, and journalists loved sharing the story.

When pitching a story, founders need to highlight the "Cool Factor" of the startup. Does their startup solve a problem? Or introduce something new?

It's all about finding unique angles and sending them to reporters with relative beats.

Wrap-Up:

And there our list of 10 startups who gained media attention comes to an end.

These startups prove that media attention comes from innovation, a clear value proposition, and alignment with current trends or societal needs. Founders should be leveraging unique products, impactful narratives, and strategic milestones like funding or partnerships.