Launch is about acquiring your first customers, not just generating press or buzz.

Startups often announce fundraising rounds as their first press pitch because it's timely news that attracts media interest.

Most media outlets no longer cover very early-stage startups, so ensure your pitch is a compelling story that warrants attention.

In the early stages, founders should not prioritize marketing and PR, but as the product gains traction, they need to take charge of messaging and communication to ensure consistency and clarity. Developing personal relationships with journalists is crucial; they prefer talking to founders rather than PR representatives.

When starting a startup, it's crucial to talk to users rather than just relying on your own experiences, as most startups are not built solely for the founders.

Building an audience before launching a product is crucial; it ensures that there are people ready to engage and provide feedback from the start.

Many founders believe they need to present a perfect product at launch, which can lead to delays in getting it in front of users.

When evaluating a startup, consider if they have a product ready at the time of pitching, as having something tangible is crucial for investment decisions.

We learned that startups need to start somewhere; it's tempting to wait until you have something perfect, but you need to put your idea out there to get real feedback.