Pitch to TechCrunch
Getting featured on TechCrunch is a game-changer for any startup. With millions of readers, influential investors, and top-tier media visibility, TechCrunch isn’t just a blog—it’s a launchpad for emerging tech brands. But standing out in a crowded inbox filled with hundreds of daily pitches? That takes more than luck. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to craft a compelling pitch, pitch to techcrunch what TechCrunch journalists look for, and how to turn your startup story into the next headline, pitch to TechCrunch. Whether you’re bootstrapping your way to the top or fresh off a funding round, this is your roadmap to catching TechCrunch’s attention the smart way.
Every founder dreams of landing their big break, and one of the fastest ways to gain massive exposure is to pitch to TechCrunch. With its massive readership of tech enthusiasts, investors, and media influencers, getting your startup featured on TechCrunch can spark serious momentum. But TechCrunch journalists receive hundreds of pitches daily, so your story needs to stand out.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to craft a compelling pitch to TechCrunch, what makes a startup story newsworthy, and how to avoid the mistakes that land most emails straight in the trash. Whether you’re preparing for launch or just closed a funding round, this is your blueprint for breaking into one of tech’s most powerful media platforms. What is TechCrunch? Where Tech Talks to the world?
📌 Why a TechCrunch Feature is a Game-Changer (pitch to TechCrunch)
When your startup lands on TechCrunch, you’re not just getting a mention—you’re getting:
- Massive visibility from over 15 million monthly visitors
- VC attention from firms like a16z, Sequoia, and Index Ventures, who read TechCrunch daily
- High-authority backlinks that skyrocket your SEO
- Instant credibility that validates your business
- Top-of-funnel leads from organic press-driven traffic
- Social proof that strengthens investor decks and B2B outreach
And with TechCrunch covering everything from early-stage launches to major exits, your startup could easily be their next headline.
How to Start and Grow a Tech Startup | Funding, Ideas, Jobs Guide 2025,6
🧠 What Makes a Story TechCrunch-Worthy?
Before you pitch, make sure your startup’s story checks at least one (or more) of these boxes:
| ✅ Element | 💥 Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Breaking News | New launch, funding, acquisition, expansion, major milestone |
| Traction Proof | Revenue growth, user numbers, waitlist size, partnerships |
| Category Disruption | A unique approach to an old problem or industry |
| Founder Backstory | Resilience, personal drive, untold journey that hooks readers |
| Tech Edge | AI, blockchain, automation, climate-tech—emerging innovation |
| Social or Economic Impact | Solving real-world problems, accessibility, DEI lens |
Example:
“We raised $5M to bring AI-powered healthcare to rural areas with no WiFi.”
– That’s innovation + human impact = irresistible story.
How to make a B2B Content Strategy Framework: Boost Leads and Build Brand Authority
🧑💻 Finding the Right TechCrunch Reporter(pitch to techcrunch)
Targeted pitching is the difference between spam and success.
🔎 Steps to Find the Best Reporter:
- Search “site:techcrunch.com [your topic]” on Google
- Read 3–5 recent articles
- Make a list of writers who cover your niche
✍️ Popular TechCrunch Writers by Beat:
| Name | Beats |
|---|---|
| Kyle Wiggers | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics |
| Natasha Mascarenhas | Early-stage Startups, WorkTech, Education |
| Mary Ann Azevedo | Fintech, Real Estate, Banking |
| Rebecca Bellan | Mobility, Transportation, EVs |
| Amanda Silberling | Creator Economy, Social Media, Gen Z Startups |
👉 Tip: Look at their Twitter/X. Most of them post pitch preferences like “Send via email” or “Don’t DM me.”
🧾 Crafting the Perfect TechCrunch Pitch
🎯 Subject Line Examples:
- “Exclusive: YC-Backed EdTech Raises $3.2M to Reinvent Online Learning”
- “AI Startup That Cuts Hiring Time by 70% Just Secured $4M”
- “Under Embargo: $5M Seed Round for Carbon-Tracking Platform”
📩 Email Body Format:
csharpCopyEditSubject: Exclusive: [Startup Name] Just Closed [Funding Round] to [Impact Statement]
Hi [Journalist Name],
I’m [Your Name], founder of [Startup]. I’ve been following your coverage of [relevant beat or article], and I think this story might resonate with you.
[Startup Name] just closed a [amount] [round] to [your mission in one sentence].
Here’s the short version:
- 🧠 What: [Plain-English description of your startup]
- 🚀 Why it matters: [Industry relevance or real-world problem solved]
- 📊 Traction: [Users, revenue, growth %, retention]
- 📅 Timing: [Exclusive, embargo, launch date]
- 🎙️ Founder available for interview
We’d love to offer this as an exclusive to TechCrunch. Happy to send more info, a deck, or schedule a chat.
Thanks for considering!
[Your Name]
[Title + Contact Info]
[Startup Website]
[Media Kit/Press Link if available]
🎁 What to Include in Your Media Kit
Make it ridiculously easy for journalists to tell your story. Your media kit should contain:
- 📸 High-res founder headshots (plain background, media-friendly)
- 🖼️ Product screenshots or UI demos
- 📰 Press release (PDF + plain text)
- 🏢 Company boilerplate (2–3 sentence summary)
- 📊 Fast facts: Year founded, # of users, funding, location
- 🎥 Video pitch or explainer (optional but powerful)
- 📎 Contact info, social links, founder bios
📁 Bonus: Host it on a simple link like yourstartup.com/press or a Notion page.
📆 When Should You Pitch?
Timing matters. The best moments to pitch:
| 📌 Scenario | 🕰 Best Timing |
|---|---|
| Product Launch | 7–10 days before the big day |
| Funding Announcement | 1–2 weeks before close or under embargo |
| Acquisition/Exit | Immediately after deal finalization |
| Major Trend Tie-in | When your industry is trending (e.g., AI boom, EVs, layoffs, VC shifts) |
🧠 Insider Tips from Journalists & Founders
“Tell me why now is the right time to tell this story. That’s what I care about.”
— Natasha Mascarenhas, TechCrunch
“Use clear numbers. Instead of ‘fast growth,’ say ‘grew 120% in 6 months with 10k paying users.’”
— Kyle Wiggers, TechCrunch
“We included a short video of our MVP and that’s what sealed the deal.”
— YC Founder featured in TechCrunch
❌ Top Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Too much jargon (no one wants “revolutionary synergies”)
- ❌ Emailing multiple writers at once (burns bridges)
- ❌ Pitching too early with no traction
- ❌ Overhyping—journalists spot BS fast
- ❌ Ignoring their beat (e.g., pitching AI to a Fintech reporter)
📣 Advanced Pro Tips
- 🔥 Include social proof: “We’re backed by [well-known VC]” or “Former CTO of X is an advisor”
- 🔄 Repurpose: Turn your pitch into a Medium post, LinkedIn thread, or newsletter
- 🤝 Use intros: Ask an investor, advisor, or ex-TechCrunch writer to make a warm intro
- 📈 Combine efforts: Launch on Product Hunt + TechCrunch + Reddit AMA on same day
🧲 Bonus SEO & PR Power Move
After you get featured on TechCrunch:
- Share it in your email newsletter
- Pin it on Twitter & LinkedIn
- Link to it on your homepage (“As Seen On”)
- Repurpose it into a video, carousel, or podcast
- Reach out to other media outlets using it as proof of credibility
✍️ Final Thoughts: Tell a Story, Not a Sales Pitch
Your startup is more than just a product—it’s a story worth sharing. TechCrunch wants stories that matter. If you bring urgency, clarity, and relevance, you don’t need PR agencies—you need a well-placed pitch.
🚀 Ready to Pitch?
If you’re building something big and want help crafting a press-worthy story…
📢 Wonbolt offers expert startup PR & content strategy services.
Let us help you land high-authority coverage and build massive credibility.
📩 Email us: infowonbolt@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: www.wonbolt.com
Would you like a swipe file of email templates, a TechCrunch pitch checklist, or a Notion press kit template? Just say the word and I’ll hook you up!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can any startup pitch to TechCrunch?
Yes, any startup can pitch to TechCrunch, but your story must be newsworthy. TechCrunch prioritizes companies that are launching, announcing funding, disrupting industries, or showing strong traction. You need more than just an idea—you need a story that matters.
2. What’s the best way to contact a TechCrunch journalist?
The best way is via email, using a short, personalized pitch. Avoid sending mass emails or generic messages. Do your homework: find the right journalist who covers your niche and mention their past articles to show relevance.
3. What should I include in a TechCrunch pitch?
A winning pitch includes:
- A compelling subject line
- Brief description of your startup
- Key numbers (growth, users, funding)
- Why the story matters now
- A clear call-to-action (e.g., “offering exclusive coverage”)
Also include a link to your media kit, high-quality images, and contact info.
4. How long should my pitch email be?
Keep it under 200 words. Journalists are busy—be concise, but impactful. Use bullet points to highlight your traction and clearly state what you’re offering (exclusive story, interview access, etc.).
5. Can I pitch TechCrunch without funding or press coverage?
Yes, but your pitch must have a unique angle. Maybe your startup is solving a global problem, using cutting-edge tech, or bootstrapped with viral traction. Impact, innovation, and authenticity are what matter most.
6. What happens if TechCrunch doesn’t respond?
Don’t take it personally. Follow up once after 5–7 days. If there’s still no reply, consider refining your pitch or targeting other relevant tech media. You can also publish your story on Medium, LinkedIn, or use Product Hunt to get visibility.
7. How can I make my startup look more newsworthy?
Here are some ways:
- Launch something significant (product, funding, partnership)
- Share exclusive or under-embargoed info
- Showcase real traction and data
- Craft a personal founder story that resonates
- Tie your narrative into trending industry themes (AI, climate tech, etc.)
8. Should I use a PR agency to pitch to TechCrunch?
It depends. A good PR agency can help, but many founders have successfully pitched TechCrunch DIY-style. If you know your product and story well, you can follow a solid strategy like this guide and still get featured.
9. Is it better to offer exclusive coverage to TechCrunch?
Yes—TechCrunch loves exclusives. Offering an exclusive gives the journalist a reason to prioritize your story. Just be clear in your pitch that you’re offering it exclusively and for a limited time.
10. How do I get featured on TechCrunch’s homepage or Disrupt stage?
Homepage placement is editorial-based, and Disrupt exposure often comes through:
- Pitch competitions like Startup Battlefield
- Sponsorships or paid speaking slots
- Building buzz with investors and press before the event
Focus on building something that stands out, and stay plugged into TechCrunch events and contributor opportunities.
