Begin with a banner at the top that says “DRAFT — NOT FOR RELEASE.” This is a basic version-control precaution for press releases. Prior to the release of the final version, remove the banner or change it to “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.”
Next, provide contact information for the person who will handle inquiries about the press release. Remember you’re writing the press release for journalists, and journalists prefer to speak with the CEO about financings.
Next comes the title of your press release. Use a straightforward title such as: “MyCompany, Inc., Announces Type of (e.g. ‘Series A’) Financing”
Now, follow this outline:
First Paragraph
- Dateline (the place and date of the news)
- Name of your company
- Type of financing
- Amount of financing
- Investor(s) and who led the round
- Purpose of financing
Second Paragraph
- Company mission
- Product development and/or commercialization strategy
Third Paragraph
- Quote from CEO about how the funds will be used to advance the company mission and strategic goals. Please avoid sentences that begin with phrases such as “We’re pleased … “. Comfort your investors and shock everyone else by providing something more substantive.
Fourth Paragraph
- Quote from lead investor about the rationale for funding. Think about what you would want the lead investor to say to the people evaluating your company for its next round of funding 6 – 18 months from now. Then write the quote yourself and get it approved by the person you’re quoting. Please avoid sentences that begin with phrases such as “We’re confident…” .
Fifth Paragraph
- One-sentence description of your company, e.g. “Biocompany, Inc. creates and commercializes new technologies for turning plants into automobile racing fuel.”
- Headquarters location
- Contact information including main phone number and web site.
If you have any questions, need something more customized, or just don’t have time to write it yourself, contact me by sending e-mail to matthew@wygant.net.
