Best PR Agencies for UK Startups in 2025

If you're a startup founder in tech, digital or innovation, chances are you've hit a point where visibility matters more than ever. Whether you’re preparing for funding, launching a product, or expanding internationally - the right PR agency for your startup can help you build credibility, gain media coverage, and connect with the right audiences at the right time.

But how do you choose the right PR agency when the market is saturated with firms promising media coverage, storytelling, and thought leadership?

This guide breaks it down - so you can confidently find a startup PR agency in the UK that gets results:

1. UK PR Agencies for Early-Stage Startups 

Not every UK tech PR agency is built for early-stage hustle - some are better suited to corporate comms or enterprise. Before you even approach a PR agency, clarify your goals. 

Are you:

• Launching your product or MVP?

• Preparing for a seed or Series A / B round?

• Trying to build trust in a new category?

• Expanding into new markets like the UK?

  
  

Early-stage founders should seek out PR agencies that specialise in startups, ideally with experience getting founders featured in outlets like TechCrunch, Sifted, UKTN, and Startups Magazine. These agencies understand the rhythm of startup life - pivots, funding cycles, scrappy launches and they can help you land meaningful coverage that speaks to investors, customers, and potential hires.

2. Choose a PR Agency that Specialises in Startups

Startups operate differently -  fast-paced, lean, and constantly evolving - so you need a PR partner who gets that. A traditional agency might deliver polished campaigns, but they’re often too slow or rigid for the demands of early-stage growth.

Look for an agency that:

• Has case studies with startups at your stage or in your sector

• Secures coverage in relevant nationals, startup media, trades etc 

• Understands investor milestones and how to position funding rounds, launches, and founder stories strategically

The right startup PR agency won’t just chase coverage - they’ll help you shape your story, time it right, and get it in front of people who matter: investors, customers, and future team members.

3. Look at Who Will Actually Work on Your Account

Founders often pitch with senior consultants - however, once the campaign starts, the day-to-day work usually falls to junior staff. This can be risky if those juniors lack experience or media connections.

Before you commit, ask:

• Who will be my main contact?

• Do they have experience placing stories in the outlets I care about?

• What is the experience level of each consultant working on my account?

  
  

Make sure you know exactly who will be handling your startup’s PR and that they have the skills and relationships to deliver real results. If senior consultants only lead the pitch but don’t stay involved, it could hurt your campaign’s success.

4. Decide Between Boutique vs. Big Agency

Choosing between a boutique PR agency and a larger firm is a key decision for startups, and it often comes down to your specific needs, budget, and desired level of personal attention.

Boutique PR agencies tend to be smaller teams that offer more direct access to senior consultants and founders. They’re usually more flexible and agile - able to quickly adapt to changing startup priorities, pivot messaging, or jump on new opportunities without bureaucratic delays. This makes them ideal for early-stage startups that need hands-on support and personalised strategies.

You should also consider specialist sector firms, especially if you operate in niches like HealthTech, GreenTech, AI. These agencies understand your industry’s unique challenges and regulatory environment, which can make your PR more credible and targeted.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your startup’s stage, budget, and priorities. If you value agility and senior-level attention, a boutique agency may be best. 

5. Understand Pricing and Retainers

When budgeting for PR, it’s important to understand how UK startup PR agencies typically charge and what to expect.

Most startup-focused PR agencies work on monthly retainers, which means you pay a fixed fee every month for a set amount of services and support. For boutique agencies — which often provide more hands-on senior attention and flexibility - retainers usually range between £3,000 and £6,000 per month. Larger or more established agencies, offering broader services and bigger teams, often start at £7,000+ per month.

Retainers cover things like media outreach, content creation, press kit development, and strategic advice. However, it’s worth asking agencies about additional pricing options, especially if your startup has fluctuating needs.

For example:

• Project-based pricing: This is common for specific launches or one-off campaigns where you want PR support for a defined period rather than ongoing coverage.

• Retainer flexibility: If your business experiences quiet months (perhaps between funding rounds or product releases), check if the agency offers flexibility to reduce services or fees temporarily.

  
  

Be clear upfront about your budget and priorities. Sometimes paying a slightly higher retainer for an agency with strong media relationships and relevant experience will deliver better ROI than a cheaper option without proven startup expertise.

Finally, remember that PR is an investment in your brand’s reputation and growth. Understanding pricing models and negotiating terms that align with your startup’s stage will help you get the most value from your partnership.

6. Look for Measurable Results (Not Just Vanity Metrics)

When choosing a PR agency for your UK startup, make sure they focus on delivering real, measurable results - not just surface-level stats. Many agencies still rely on outdated vanity metrics like “reach” or AVEs (advertising value equivalents), which don’t accurately reflect business impact. Instead, ask about tangible outcomes such as backlinks to your website, coverage in relevant tier-1 or trade media, increased keyword rankings, and growth in organic traffic. A good agency should also track brand sentiment, showcase social proof, and tie PR activity directly to business goals. If you’re investing in startup public relations in the UK, results matter - so don’t be afraid to dig into how they report success.

Final Checklist: Questions to Ask a PR Agency for Your Startup:

• Do you specialise in startup and scaleup clients?

• Can you show me relevant coverage?

• Who will lead our account and what’s their background?

• What’s your approach to storytelling for tech brands?

• How do you measure and report results?

  
  

Finding the right PR agency for your UK startup isn’t just about logos or flashy case studies — it’s about shared goals, startup experience, and the ability to get you noticed where it matters.

If you’re a founder looking for smart, strategic PR support in the UK, please contact lisa@thisisbanjo.com