VC Tips & Research Evidence

The tl;dr of 15 years in AR 🚀  Part 2/3: VC Tips & Research Evidence

Here’s a peek into 3 top VCs' guidances on Startup AR, paired with data from 800+ contributors to the State of Startups with Industry Analysts research programme (SSIA) with the University of Edinburgh Business School.

Sapphire Ventures

„It’s never too early to start AR.“

There’s no downside to free introductory briefings. Even early-stage startups can benefit: Analyst conversations help sharpen your messaging.

Analysts are highly influential. The majority of CIOs relies on their insights into the innovation landscape.

Analyst advocacy grows from continuous quality interactions, not from spend.

✅ SSIA DATA:

• The 19% of startups that practiced AR early and strategically appeared in analyst research 4 years(!) sooner than average.

• Procrastinating AR until series-A only gives your rivals years of advantage.

Sierra Ventures

„Have a strategy of tiered (AR) goals.“

AR management has growth hacking-like benefits.

Inclusion in high-profile (MQ-type) reports is only a long-term objective. Influencing or creating a category can start much sooner.

Early key results are to score mentions in analysts’ trend- and innovation reports as well as getting direct recommendations in buyer inquiries.

✅ SSIA DATA:

• 79% of analysts say they listen to and monitor startups specifically to identify innovative vendors they can recommend to inquiring buyers.

Andreessen Horowitz

„Never run AR out of PR.“

Don’t frustrate analysts with marketing pitches. AR performs best when practiced insights-driven, involving founders, products- and marketing leads.

Involve analysts in your evolution. Authenticity earns you trust and insights. Begin before you feel ready and invest in inquiry rights when you can.

✅ SSIA DATA:

• Analysts rating of PR-led AR is net-negative. Specialist-led AR is rated best by far.

• 41% of AR-practicing startups use a minimal-budget approach. 57% plan to increase their activities.

  
  

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My next piece will be about actual startup examples.