A recent report from Working In Your Shoes highlights that 90% of investor outreach fails due to reasons unrelated to the pitch itself. While 95% of startups currently use AI in their communications, experts warn that over-reliance on automated tools risks losing authenticity, a concern shared by 64% of respondents.
Data shows that 98% of surveyed professionals believe effective public relations accelerates investment. Despite this, only 35% of startups utilize PR to attract funding, often viewing it merely as a branding tool. Nearly one-third of participants estimate that PR impacts their ability to secure funding by up to 50%.
Strategic timing remains a challenge, as 75% of startups delay communication efforts until they achieve revenue or traction. Only 18% of founders prioritize early-stage outreach. Investors emphasize that visibility is crucial, noting that 46% of respondents acknowledge the importance of CEO presence, yet many fail to actively pursue it.
The industry is shifting toward managing AI agents rather than simple chatbots. Experts suggest that while AI can handle 80% of communication volume, human judgment remains essential for high-stakes decisions. The report advises founders to use AI for research and speed while keeping relationship-building human-led.
