Signal Strength
With stronger marketing efforts, VC firms are making sure their message gets heard.
By John F. Ince • Mar 1, 2005
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Looking for signs of a VC rebound? Take a second glance at thosepress releases in your company mailbox. VC firms are ramping uptheir marketing efforts twofold by hiring PR firms to promote theirown portfolio companies and full-time marketing people to get theircompany names before prospective entrepreneurs. "I wouldestimate that the number of dedicated marketing professionals whowork on staff or [on] a consultant basis for venture capital firmshas more than doubled in the past four years," says EmilyMendell, director of public affairs at the National Venture CapitalAssociation.
As VC firms try to raise new funds from limited partners,they've discovered that brand recognition is becoming moreimportant. VCs are growing more aggressive so they can be the firstto discover a hot deal or get a shot at the most promisingentrepreneurs. This is especially true at smaller, regional firmsthat don't already have high visibility within theentrepreneurial community.
Continue reading this article — and all of our other premium content with Entrepreneur+
For just $5, you can get unlimited access to all Entrepreneur’s premium content. You’ll find:
- Digestible insight on how to be a better entrepreneur and leader
- Lessons for starting and growing a business from our expert network of CEOs and founders
- Meaningful content to help you make sharper decisions
- Business and life hacks to help you stay ahead of the curve
