Startup services…
Does every entrepreneur starting a company have some kind of exit strategy on the last page of their business plan? Those that don’t are just creating jobs for themselves. The objective of most entrepreneurs that we have worked with is to create a company that will be acquired or taken public. The distinction between a company that is being groomed for sale and one that is being built to last is the difference between an entrepreneur and a businessman. Where entrepreneurs think in terms of years, businessmen think in terms of generations. We have successfully provided services to companies in pre launch start up stage as well in a semi mature state. We break these services into Startup and Expansion Accelerator categories. BIGfrontier does not deliver PR for PR’s sake. We will work with your company to insure that you’re able to monetize your exposure.
What we can do for your startup…
BIgfrontier has been involved with companies before they’ve even selected a name; many times our services can begin before a company leaves the starting gate. We’ve launched and relaunched several companies, developing new market identities and positions as well as changing old ones. BIGfrontier will help your startup understand market, develop the right messages and materials and then execute your campaign launch. A BIGfrontier crafted PR campaign will help a startup…
Develop brand value
Support fundraising and investor relations
Warm up customers and generate direct leads
Establish the perception of industry leadership
Promote products and services
Attract the attention of potential licensees, OEMs and partners
Every company with a good product or intelligent service offering supported by an aggressive sales or fundraising effort reaches an inflection point in its approach to market: continue to trench fight or declare all out war. Jockeying for market position means making a differentiating impression: companies that make it are perceived as:
The smartest, fastest and most efficient
Growing faster than the competition
Being the first to figure it out
Making the most noise – everywhere
The first three are out of the hands of everyone except the company. They require work, discipline and the money to purchase the right engineers, salespeople and channel strategists. The fourth can make the first three happen.
The difference between the company that languishes for three years at 7% growth per year and one that doubles every 18 months is based on what people are saying about your company. BIGfrontier has successfully provided services that will help growing companies accelerate through increased sales or funding.
The funding conundrum
OK – accepting funding means you’re surrendering some control and ownership of your company, but you’re also receiving the capital you may need for product development, marketing, hiring the people you previously couldn’t afford or buying expensive lunches for people you’re trying to impress.
What makes the difference between a company that achieves funding and one that doesn’t? Two companies may have similar products, management teams, sound market strategies and sales, but 9 times out of 10 the company that’s in the news will close the deal. Buzz puts the action into the equation. Public relations represent the most powerful motivating force today – as recently revealed by Scott Mclennen, former press secretary for the Bush administration. The Bush administration used PR to launch the United States into a war and then perpetuate it, how’s that for channeling words into history! Used properly the right PR campaign can move your company from possible funding to funded, possible sale to sold.
Beyond putting your company into the news BIGfrontier will also review your pitching documents to ensure that your story is told in the most effective manner possible. We’ll hone your message and create a buzz that will have your potential investors talking about your company before you walk in the door. We apply the same techniques to companies seeking a sale as well. Check out our case studies below for examples of how we’ve made these services work for other companies.
Some of the startups and semi mature companies we have accelerated…
Acquity Group: Helped company grow 1000% in five years: Case Study
Leading provider of business and technology solutions designed to optimize business performance.
Worked with the company to develop and execute an aggressive growth strategy through national media relations, speaking engagement and events, since their first year in business.
Concourse Communications: Relaunched company; later acquired by Boingo Wireless
Leader in the design, deployment, operation and marketing of wireless neutral-host networks within airports and large commercial venues in North America. Relaunched company from a virtually crisis condition, helped grow market share and positioned for acquisition by Boingo Wireless; retained by Boingo for an additional year to help with transition.
IfByPhone: Helped company achieve additional funding
An innovative click to call Web 2.0 communications company. BIGfrontier conducted a six month project for IfByPhone to raise their presence within target customer and partner circles. Campaign resulted in additional, unsolicited funding through parties that had read about the company.
MidPhase: Relaunched company; company later sold to UK2
A budget, shared and advanced hosting provider delivering innovative solutions for any business seeking a professional online presence. BIGfrontier helped MidPhase relaunch and achieve a market share of well over 100,000 users. Company was acquired by UK2 and BIGfrontier relationship maintained.
nPhase: Helped company define and dominate a category, later acquired by QualComm: Case Study BIGfrontier began working with nPhase prior to its launch, in 2002. Our driving goal was to standardize the term M2M, which meant, variously, Machine to Machine, Man to Machine or Machine to Mobile, and position nPhase as the preeminent driver within the space. A steady stream of speaking opportunities, extensive media exposure, industry awards and targeted events have helped this start up grow into a viable player that has pioneered a niche within the manufacturing marketplace. In late 2006 nPhase was acquired by Qualcomm and the BIGfrontier relationship was maintained. Case study
Smartsignal: Helped company relaunch and receive several rounds of funding
Equipment conditioning monitoring (eCM) software provides early warning of impending faults with equipment and systems. Worked with the company during its early years to define its presence within the technology space and introduce its solutions with the venture capital space. SmartSignal recognized as a leader within the equipment monitoring space and received several rounds of funding.
