In the dynamic landscape of startups and scale-ups, Public Relations (PR) has emerged as a force to reckon with when it comes to shaping the success trajectory of the organisation.
Gone are the days when PR was perceived merely as a tool for crisis management or media relations.
From crafting compelling narratives that set startups apart in the already saturated markets to executing strategic media campaigns that capture attention, these PR agencies have become crucial partners for startups seeking to enhance their visibility and credibility.
Why do startups and scale-ups need PR agencies?
Public relations remains a ‘linchpin’ when it comes to the success of businesses/ individuals, shaping perceptions and influencing outcomes.
The best PR agencies in the field not only keep pace with the changes but also stay ahead of the curve, offering clients a strategic advantage in navigating the complexities of the modern media landscape.
A well-executed PR strategy can profoundly impact a startup’s course. It has the power to generate extensive media coverage, raise brand awareness, and set the startup apart from its competitors.
Moreover, PR agencies offer an advantage by initiating valuable press relationships. These relationships can be invaluable in the long run, providing startups with ongoing media exposure and coverage opportunities.
By leveraging these relationships, startups can gain credibility and establish themselves as industry leaders.
If you are based in the UK and considering working with a PR agency for your startup, choosing an experienced agency that understands its unique challenges is important.
To simplify the selection process, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the top 10 PR agencies in the UK to look forward to in 2024.
These agencies have a proven track record of helping startups achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Deliberate PR
Motto: 99% of PR is meaningless: worthwhile clients deserve something more intelligent, more Deliberate.
Founder(s)/MD: Benjamin Webb
Team size: 25
Deliberate PR is a leading communications agency based out of London that ensures Nordic, American, and European startups and scale-ups make the news in the UK, US, and the English-speaking world.
Deliberate supports consumer-facing concepts alongside greentech, fintech, deep tech, cybersecurity, and hardware clients.
Operating with a 25-strong team across the UK and the US, the company secures high-impact exposure in international business, technology, specialist, and consumer media titles.
Deliberate PR’s ideal client is one that can legitimately contribute to emerging news stories, providing insightful commentary, meaningful user case studies, and newsworthy data.
The agency thrives on supporting clients disappointed by previous PR agencies, showcasing the effectiveness of their strategic, news-based approach over conventional spray-and-pray methods.
Clients: Babbel, Strise, Milkywire
CommsCo
Motto: The agency for challenger brands
Founder(s)/MD: Ilona Hitel
Team size: 12
Founded in 2013, CommsCo specialises in delivering PR campaigns to support challenger technology brands.
The agency’s goal is to help clients differentiate from competitors by creating a category for themselves or standing out in crowded markets.
CommsCo delivers rapid profile PR, marketing, and social media campaigns that drive lead generation for innovative B2B technology startups and scale-ups.
With a focus on deeptech and emerging technologies, CommsCo adopts an agile approach to support emerging companies in challenging larger industry competitors.
The agency offers a comprehensive suite of services, including traditional PR, digital content creation, social media management, and event coordination.
Clients: Mindtech, First AML, eflow Global
MVPR
Motto: AI-enabled public relations
Founder(s)/MD: Tom Lawrence
Team size: 12
MVPR is an AI-powered PR agency that automates the traditionally manual PR process.
The platform combines software and AI alongside highly experienced PR counsel to help companies get media coverage while maintaining total ownership over the PR process at 4-5x less than the cost of hiring an agency.
MVPR claims to specialise in placing and writing high-value thought leadership and sharing milestone announcements with the media. The company charges a month-to-month subscription and success fees for coverage rather than lengthy retainers.
MVPR’s ideal clients are Series A to Series B stage tech companies and VC funds that already have a marketing manager, seeking transparent, success-based collaboration rather than traditional agency retainers.
Clients: Extantia Capital, Hive, and Deasi
Black Unicorn PR
Motto: A new breed of PR and Comms agency
Founder(s)/MD:: Julija (JJ) Jegorova, Mauro Battellini
Team size: 15
Black Unicorn PR is a new breed of Public Relations and Communications agency that goes beyond traditional services, working closely with its clients and acting as an in-house extension.
The London-based company aims to help European companies gain exposure in the international media.
The ideal client for Black Unicorn PR is a bootstrapped, early-stage, or scale-up enterprise with a mission to impact the world positively, regardless of industry. Ambitious founders actively engaging in PR efforts align perfectly with the company’s vision.
Clients: Planet42, Credolab, WeRoad
Old Street Communications
Motto: PR with impact for fast-growing tech companies
Founder(s)/MD: Robert Bownes
Team size: 7
Old Street Communications is a PR and marketing consultancy for fast-growing B2B tech startups across various European and US verticals.
The London and New Yoek-based PR agency specialises in securing top-tier media coverage and running thought leadership campaigns to fulfill your business aims, be it raising new capital, winning customers, driving expansion, or all of the above.
Serving a diverse clientele, ranging from unicorns to startups gearing up for Series A, Old Street Communications brings extensive experience in launching companies into new markets, announcing funding rounds and partnerships, and managing speaker and awards programs.
In addition to its US team, the company has a network of partner PR agencies throughout Europe, South America, and APAC, allowing them to execute comprehensive global campaigns in regional languages.
The ideal client for Old Street Communications is a startup with a clear product fit, ambitious goals, and a practical and collaborative founding team.
The company aims to collaborate with businesses specialising in green tech and deep tech solutions like quantum computing.
Clients: Storyblok, SplitMetrics, PhotonDelta
SoContent Communications
Motto: No jumped-up tech bros please – do good, be nice, and we will nail your comms
Founder(s)/MD: Doug Hunter
Team size: 7
SoContent Communications is a global agency that has gathered a team of top-notch communicators worldwide, offering a seamless virtual PR agency experience to keep costs minimal and results exceptional.
Operating across four continents and diverse industries, SoContent excels in press releases, crisis communication, influencer management, strategy development, messaging, funding support, and more.
The ideal client for SoContent is a tech-for-good company with a level-headed founder who fosters a long-term relationship with the media and the agency.
By promoting positive communication for such clients, SoContent aims to contribute to making the world a better place while achieving mutual growth and satisfaction.
Clients: Qflow, Distil.ai, imc Learning
CEW Communications
Motto: We challenge the traditional way of doing things to get your message out there and drive your business to the next level
Founder(s)/MD: Cathy White
Team size: 16
CEW Communications is a prominent boutique European PR agency, known for its specialised focus on tech startups and the companies that support them, including VCs.
With over a decade of experience sharing the stories of startups and delivering strategic communications, CEW has a real passion for working closely with growing companies and making an impact.
The team includes PR professionals across European markets and current and former journalists.
Services offered include press office support, crisis communications, funding announcements, award entries, and events – including speaking opportunities, consultancy and training, data reports, media training, content creation, and social media management.
CEW Communications thrives on engaging with B2B tech companies ranging from pre-seed to Series C, as well as emerging and established VCs across Europe, particularly in AI, ClimateTech, DeepTech, FinTech, and Venture Capital.
The PR firm aims to work with those who adopt a long-term perspective in building relationships with the media.
Clients: APEX Ventures, Floww, Mondu
Ecology Media
Motto: Helping great businesses flourish in the best PR environments
Founder(s)/MD: Georgia Hanias
Team size: 7
Ecology Media is a prominent brand and communications consultancy located in London.
Working with strategic global partners, Ecology Media works with some of the world’s most exciting companies, NGOs, and emerging entrepreneurs.
Ecology Media specializes in emerging technologies, including fintech and climate tech, as well as brands advocating for diversity and social inclusion. The firm believes that optimal business and creative concepts thrive in conducive environments.
Ecology Media is dedicated to crafting the right ecology for brands, emphasising audience understanding and effective online and offline communication.
The PR firm prefers working with companies scaling technology and social impact businesses, particularly those seeking global expansion at Series B and C funding stages. With expertise in fintech, climate tech, and Web3, Ecology Media is an ideal partner for enterprises poised for significant growth and social impact.
Clients: Recharge, ProvenRun, TP24
Nara Communications
Motto: We tell meaningful stories for meaningful companies
Founder(s)/MD: Nick Baines and Drew Skinner-Shah
Team size: 20
Nara Communications is on a mission to tell meaningful stories for meaningful companies. This London-based agency aims to raise the profile of technology startups and scale-ups in the international media.
This transatlantic communications agency is a pivotal partner for clients aiming to secure investment, attract top talent, acquire customers, and forge strategic partnerships.
Renowned for securing media coverage in prestigious outlets like The New York Times, BBC, TechCrunch, and WIRED, Nara Communications offers various services, including event speaking slots, crisis communications, SEO, media training, narrative development, and social media support.
The agency works with meaningful startups, scale-ups, and investors from a wide range of sectors and markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Nordics, the Baltics, Africa, and Australia.
Nara operates on a performance-driven pricing model, adjusting fees based on delivered results.
Ideal clients for Nara are impactful entities in sectors like sustainability, financial inclusion, DEI, edtech, recycling, neurodiversity, and venture capital firms supporting these causes.
A hypothetical dream client, according to Nara, would be B Lab, an organization fostering corporate accountability through the B Corp status, aligning with its mission to support companies contributing to a better future for people and the planet.
Clients: Outward, EcoG, Powder.
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