A startup ecosystem platform connecting revenue-generating startups, student innovators, investors, VCs, angels, incubators, accelerators, mentors, corporates and the wider startup ecosystem.
Every department has a clear responsibility. PR & Communication acts as the main external-relations department and handles all outreach across startups, corporates, sponsors, investors, ecosystem partners and media.
For startups that already have a product/business and actual revenue or meaningful traction.
For students presenting startup ideas, innovations and early-stage business concepts without requiring existing revenue.
Use this section as the internal responsibility sheet for department coordinators and volunteers.
PR is not only media relations. For Startup Fest 2027, PR & Communication handles the complete external relationship pipeline: startups, corporates, sponsorships, investors, VCs, angels, incubators, accelerators, mentors, ecosystem communities, media and strategic partners.
Search the company list below. Each company includes the category, priority, recommended designation to approach, purpose of outreach and the suggested ask.
The objective here is not primarily sponsorship. The PR team should bring investors to the event for startup deal flow, founder meetings, judging, mentorship and potential investment.
Approach these organisations for startup referrals, mentors, judges, ecosystem credibility, founder participation and strategic partnerships. Do not assume they will provide sponsorship.
Approach business, startup, technology and local media for pre-event coverage, founder stories, event announcements and post-event coverage.
| Field | What PR Team Should Record |
|---|---|
| Company | Organisation name |
| Category | Sponsor / Corporate / VC / Angel / Incubator / Media / Ecosystem |
| Priority | Priority 1 / Tier 1 / Tier 2 / Tier 3 |
| Contact Role | Correct department and designation |
| Contact Name | Actual decision-maker once identified |
| Verified business email | |
| Phone | Only when publicly available or provided by contact |
| Decision-maker/company profile | |
| First Contact | Date of first outreach |
| Follow-up | Next follow-up date |
| Status | Not Contacted / Contacted / Replied / Meeting / Proposal / Negotiation / Confirmed / Rejected |
| Ask | Sponsorship / Investor / Mentor / Judge / Media / Partnership |
| Notes | Conversation summary and next action |
A practical preparation roadmap from mid-September to the January event.
Finalize event concept, date options, venue requirements, team structure, financial model and core responsibilities.
Prepare sponsorship material, outreach database, investor list, company decision-maker list, startup application structure and website requirements.
Push sponsor meetings, investor outreach, incubator partnerships, mentor/judge outreach and venue negotiations.
Launch website and registrations. Begin startup and student acquisition campaigns.
Scale college outreach, startup communities, investor outreach, corporate relations and media conversations.
Heavy registration campaigns, startup screening, sponsor closure, investor confirmations and mentor/judge confirmations.
Finalize startups, investors, mentors, sponsors, branding, volunteer deployment, venue requirements and technical systems.
Investor-founder follow-ups, sponsor impact report, media coverage, startup ecosystem relationships and future partnerships.
| Work | Technical | Event | PR | Creative | Finance | Social | Marketing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | Lead | Support | Content | Design | — | Promotion | Traffic |
| Startup Outreach | — | Support | Lead | — | — | Promotion | Lead Support |
| Sponsorship | — | Support | Lead | Assets | Lead Finance | Promotion | Support |
| Investors / VCs | — | Support | Lead | Assets | — | Announcement | Support |
| Venue | Technical Setup | Lead | External Coordination | Branding | Budget | Content | Promotion |
| Social Campaign | Website Support | — | Information | Creatives | — | Lead | Campaign |
| Startup Selection | System | Operations | Communication | — | Payment | Promotion | Acquisition |
These are planning targets, not confirmed numbers.
The objective is not simply to conduct a two-day programme. The objective is to create meaningful connections between founders, students, investors, corporates, mentors, incubators and the startup ecosystem that can continue after the event.
Content Pillars
Platforms
Social Media should work closely with PR so confirmed investors, partners, startups and speakers are converted into credible content.