Announcing “Get Your Story Straight” with journalist/TV host Sarah Cruddas
Deeptech startups can leverage proven storytelling tips from the world of journalism to capture more attention and accelerate their fundraising, recruiting, and sales.
A compelling and clear startup story is the foundation for capturing attention and driving meaningful engagement. In Ubiquity University’s latest free video, Sarah Cruddas, a space journalist, TV host, and author, who specializes in communication of complex subjects shares why nailing (and updating) your startup story is essential for accelerating fundraising, recruiting, and sales: “Get Your Story Straight”
In this 25-minute Ubiquity University video (watch now), Sarah takes us through the following:
Why Storytelling Matters For Startups
Across the world, we have a big STEM illiteracy problem – startups are developing complex, life-changing technologies, but laypeople often get bamboozled by jargon.
The real power comes from deeply understanding what you’re doing and distilling it into the simplest terms.
Poor messaging is the silent killer of startups, especially for deep tech startups that dedicate immense energy to product development but struggle to communicate their work compellingly.
Tips For Crafting & Maintaining Your Startup Story
1) Make Things Simple
Focus on what matters to the person you’re communicating with, not just to you as the creator.
“Talk to me like you’re talking to your mate in the pub” - if you can’t explain it clearly in a casual setting, then let it go and simplify.
2) Repeat Yourself
Don’t assume everyone hears your message the first time!
Three is the magic number; restate key points three times throughout your presentation, including who you are, what your product is, and how it will change the world.
As your startup evolves, so should your story–but remain consistent in your repetition.
3) Embrace Impartiality
Avoid “drinking your own Kool-Aid”; even if you think something is a good idea, listen to others (especially within your organization) if they suggest otherwise.
Take feedback from others, look at it impartially, and consider how you can use it to improve what you’re doing.
4) Listen to Your Audience
Treat your audience as extended team members. Use feedback from your first few customers to identify what resonates, what excites, and what doesn’t.
5) Be Part of the Story
Set Google Alerts for your niche, and engage with relevant news via social media, email, and other channels. Share your perspective to establish thought leadership and develop quotes for media opportunities.
A PR firm can get you in the news, but you first need to determine who you are, what you’re about, and how you want to be seen.
Ubiquity University: free, short videos for early-stage startups
We built Ubiquity University to unlock growth for early-stage startup leaders by sharing the latest knowledge and advice for pre-seed, seed, and Series A stage entrepreneurs. We have dozens of free, short (5-15 minute) practical videos that dive into key concepts, mindset shifts, and tactical advice to help startup leaders grow and develop. Our speakers include the sharpest technical and business experts from the Ubiquity Extended Team and beyond. If you know individuals who would benefit from Ubiquity University, please pass this along.
Ubiquity Ventures — led by Sunil Nagaraj — is a seed-stage venture capital firm focused on startups solving real-world physical problems with "software beyond the screen", often using smart hardware or machine learning.
If your startup fits this description, fill out the 60-second Ubiquity pitch form and you’ll hear back shortly.