About
PressFriendly is a startup-focused public relations agency that was founded on the belief that PR shouldn't be out of reach for early-stage companies. Originally launched as a self-directed software platform (often described as 'MailChimp for PR'), the company has evolved into a full-service PR agency that combines strategic storytelling with purpose-built technology to deliver measurable media results. The agency specializes in working with seed-stage and Series A startups in both the tech and consumer sectors. Their services span product launch PR, company rebranding, thought leadership campaigns, podcast outreach, and ongoing media relations. In 2024, the PressFriendly team sent over 6,400 media pitches and secured 452 placements across 278 publications — including outlets like the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, and TechCrunch — generating more than 11 million media views for clients. What sets PressFriendly apart is its startup-native operating model: they embrace agility, transparency, and iteration. Clients receive weekly check-ins, access to pitch activity grids, and visibility into every outreach effort. Rather than billing hours for strategy decks, they focus on storytelling that gets real coverage. Their technology platform streamlines workflows and surfaces campaign analytics in real time. PressFriendly is ideal for founders and marketing leads who want professional PR execution without the overhead of a traditional PR firm. It's a strong fit for startups preparing for a launch, fundraising round announcement, or sustained media presence.
Key Features
- Startup-Focused PR Programs: Designed specifically for seed-stage and Series A startups, offering PR plans that adapt to fast-changing company needs and limited budgets.
- Proactive Media Pitching: Team members send approximately 200 targeted pitches per week, reaching the right reporters at the right time without spamming the media.
- Transparent Campaign Reporting: Clients get weekly meetings, live access to activity grids, and full visibility into every pitch sent on their behalf.
- Proprietary PR Technology Platform: A purpose-built software platform improves team efficiency and gives clients real-time access to campaign data and media placement metrics.
- Full-Service PR Offerings: Covers product launches, company rebrands, thought leadership campaigns, podcast outreach, and ongoing media relations for tech and consumer brands.
Use Cases
- A seed-stage SaaS startup needs media coverage ahead of a public product launch and wants placements in tech outlets like TechCrunch or Wired.
- A Series A consumer brand is rebranding and needs a PR agency to craft and pitch the new narrative to relevant press.
- A startup founder wants to build a thought leadership profile through bylines, podcast appearances, and expert commentary in industry publications.
- An early-stage company preparing for a fundraising announcement needs strategic PR support to maximize visibility with investors and media simultaneously.
- A growth-stage startup that has tried DIY PR without success wants a professional team to take over pitching while maintaining full transparency into the process.
Pros
- Built for Startups: Unlike traditional PR firms, PressFriendly is optimized for the pace, budget constraints, and storytelling needs of early-stage companies.
- Radical Transparency: Clients see every pitch, attend weekly meetings, and track results in real time — no black-box billing or vague 'strategy sessions'.
- Proven Media Reach: Consistent placements in top-tier outlets like WSJ, Fortune, and TechCrunch demonstrate real results, not just activity.
- Iterative, Results-First Approach: The team pivots quickly if something isn't working, treating PR as an ongoing process rather than a one-time campaign.
Cons
- Agency Model, Not Self-Service: PressFriendly is a managed service, so teams looking for a DIY PR software tool may not get the hands-off platform experience they expect.
- Pricing Not Publicly Listed: Service costs are not transparently displayed on the website, requiring a direct consultation to understand budget requirements.
- Primarily U.S.-Focused Media: The agency's media relationships and placement history appear centered on U.S. publications, which may limit value for internationally focused startups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of startups does PressFriendly work with?
PressFriendly primarily works with seed-stage and Series A startups in both the tech and consumer sectors. They have experience guiding companies from initial launch through to IPO.
What PR services does PressFriendly offer?
Services include product launch PR, company rebranding, thought leadership campaigns, podcast outreach, and ongoing media relations management.
How does PressFriendly keep clients informed about campaign progress?
Clients receive weekly meetings, access to pitch activity grids, and full visibility into every media outreach effort through PressFriendly's proprietary platform.
How many media placements does PressFriendly typically secure?
In a recent year, PressFriendly secured 452 media placements across 278 publications, generating over 11 million media views for clients in outlets like WSJ, Fortune, and TechCrunch.
How is PressFriendly different from a traditional PR firm?
PressFriendly is startup-native — they operate with agility, keep fees accessible for early-stage budgets, skip lengthy strategy decks, and focus entirely on results-oriented storytelling backed by proprietary technology.
