The Key has launched hundreds of startups, built brands, and created multi-dimensional communications programs for companies across sectors and stages.
Our mission is to tell a new story, empowering people and companies to unlock their best through high-impact, low-bullshit communications.
Our programs center on sharp strategy, story development, thoughtful media outreach, and real consultation. We have a strong focus on early-stage tech, helping to craft company narratives and get brands in front of key audiences, so we can grow alongside you and your company.
Our network is strong; most work has been referred to us by current or former clients, colleagues, VCs, or reporters who’ve seen our impact firsthand. Investors see us as a smart spend, especially when a story is complex, and the audiences varied. We often work directly with founders.
We take our reputation and relationship with VCs seriously — and want to help unlock what’s next.
What We Can Do For You
Communications Primer: What Can an Agency Provide?
One-hour with the founder or subject matter expert to walk through:
+ When do you know you’re ready for comms?
+ How best to engage and with whom? In-house? Consultant? Agency?
+ Quick strategic dive into how media-ready your company is today
Messaging & Narrative Development
Lay the foundation for audience-specific strategy
Build company’s messaging and a narrative arc
Develop conversational answers to most FAQ
Nail powerful talking points
Spokesperson Coaching
Train spokespeople to get the most from media
Understand the changing media environment
Build comfort as a company storyteller
Conduct coaching and mock interviews
Media Strategy & Execution
Strategize comms to ensure visible launch
Develop narrative and supporting materials
Coordinate announcements and media engagement
Manage stakeholders’ approvals and amplification
Strategic Counsel & Thought Partnership
Provide strategic guidance for your business as it grows
Counsel on what will work and what won’t
Events to be at and speak at
Create news when it’s quiet
How We Work
Advising: Your On-Call PR Expert - Need a communications strategist on speed dial? Our fractional CCO service is ready to help when you need us, to navigate something unexpected or bring expert insights to projects and programs (or in-house team)
Workshops: PR Boot Camp - In today’s always-on world, everyone is media. We can help you and team navigate the startup world - from DMs fishing for info, to on-the-ground inquiries at events, or just general messaging alignment and best practices.
90-Day PR Project: Test the Waters - With budgets tighter and the fundraising landscape unpredictable, sometimes it only makes sense to have a partner for a specific announcement. We work directly with founders or other executives to 3-month project. From crafting irresistible messages to media matchmaking, we'll show you our moves.
6-Month Commitment: Strategic Partnership - A 6-month engagement still has clear budgetary visibility, but gives appropriate room for a more robust program, for longer lead initiatives like speaking or awards, and for overall team alignment.
Retainer: More Value for a Monthly Spend - In the current market, it can be difficult to find everything you need in-house, or you may be navigating an agency budget based in the prior economy. With The Key’s support you have access to senior-level counsel and a dedicated team to execute your PR strategy, and our seasoned executives bring deep Valley knowledge.
Because the workload, duration, required team size and media environment are dependent on your company needs, we range and flex in a startup-friendly manner. We do, however, always ensure price transparency, contract with a 30-day out, and promise a lean operation with little overhead and no extraneous processes (or associated costs).