Raising a Series A or B round feels like crossing a finish line but really, it’s the starting gun. Investors expect growth, customers expect credibility and competitors are watching. The challenge? You don’t yet have the budget for a huge marketing department or flashy ad campaigns. The good news: the most successful tech and fintech scale-ups grow smart, not big. Here’s how...
- Keep teams lean, senior and flexible
At this stage, a small internal team supported by senior fractional or agency expertise works best. Experienced guidance matters more than headcount. A part-time CMO or comms lead can set strategy, then a lean team or external partners execute – without wasting budget on unnecessary hires.
- Anchor marketing to company goals
Every marketing pound should link directly to the company’s growth levers: customer acquisition, retention or investor readiness. That means fewer “nice-to-haves” and more laser focus on activity that accelerates revenue or prepares you for the next funding round. Clear alignment prevents scattergun spending and keeps the board confident.
- Tell a sharp, simple and consistent story
Start-ups that stand out explain what they do in a single, memorable line. A sharp narrative makes it easier to win coverage, persuade investors and convert customers. The trick isn’t budget – it’s clarity and consistency. Make sure the same story flows through your website, pitch decks, press interviews and LinkedIn profiles.
- Double down on owned + earned channels
You don’t need a huge ad budget to build reach. Start with owned channels – your website, blog, newsletter, and LinkedIn. They’re inexpensive but powerful if maintained regularly. Then add earned coverage: thought-leadership articles, media mentions, podcast guest slots and event speaking. These amplify credibility far more effectively than paid ads at this stage.
- Measure and learn fast
The best founders track metrics that matter – customer acquisition cost, retention, conversion rates – not vanity stats. Affordable tools like HubSpot Starter, Google Analytics or native LinkedIn analytics give you enough insight to decide quickly what works and what doesn’t. The discipline is simple: cut what doesn’t deliver, double down on what does.
Final word
Series A/B growth isn’t about outspending competitors – it’s about focus, story and agility. Treat marketing as a growth engine, not a cost centre. Nail these five moves, and you’ll not only stretch your budget further, but you’ll also set yourself up for the next big round.
