An exclusive gives one reporter first access to news in exchange for a deeper, better-framed story. For a raise or a major launch, it usually outperforms sending a release to everyone at once, and the first story tends to set the frame other outlets follow.
Why it matters
For some top-tier publications, an exclusive is how they'll agree to cover a story at all. Newsrooms are competitive and their resources have been cut, so a reporter has limited time to give any one company. The attention has to be earned, and the story has to be worth their while.
What the reporter needs to say yes
As a former journalist, Kyle builds exclusives around what a reporter needs to say yes.
Choosing the outlet
The outlet should be aligned to the company's goals and to the sector and space it operates in. Reach and relevance both count.
For funding announcements
For a funding announcement, an exclusive is almost always the right call.
What it can't do
Coverage depends on editorial priorities, timing and news value, and no one can promise an outlet will say yes. An exclusive improves the odds that the story is framed well, but it doesn't guarantee that it runs.
For the full picture around a raise, see How to Announce a Funding Round. Or start a conversation.
