Hooray for enterprise software startups, back in the funding spotlight and deservedly so! “Venture capitalists placed $2 billion with IT startups in the first quarter of this year, according to a survey by Dow Jones VentureSource, a 14% increase from the first quarter of 2011. Meanwhile, investors put 76% less investment in consumer internet companies. Software companies attracted the most funding, $1.3 billion, which is a 61% bump from 2011.”
These startups would be wise to invest some of this in communications, including writing and PR, to help gain visibility and draw customers their way. There are some cost-effective ways to do this, such as booking speaking engagements for C-level executives, participating in award programs for products and services, and leveraging customer success stories to win more business. These efforts can be driven internally or through an experienced pro, who can set up and/or manage initiatives. All these initiatives can be leveraged in numerous ways to build visibility and credibility, especially important for fledgling startups.
