Business

Entrepreneur Ethan Duran: The One Thing That Sets Me Apart From the Competition is Impeccable Service

Published

5 years ago

October 6, 2020

When your clients appreciate the finer things in life, they expect their patronage to be rewarded with excellent service. Ethan Duran, a 22-year-old entrepreneur and the CEO of Corsa Auto Rental, understands this and says top-notch service sets him apart from the competition.

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York, Duran stumbled upon the exotic car rentals industry by mere chance. When he relocated to Los Angeles with the intention of getting into investment banking, he recognized the potential of exotic car rentals. And with it came the realization that he could do it better than were the people already in the industry. Getting into the sector proved to be a great career decision as he made USD 2.7 million in year one and was able to provide for his family in ways that he wasn’t able to previously.

“Build trust, with your clients, with your friends, with everyone you meet,” says Duran. “It’ll pay off. Karma might not be real, but reputation definitely is. You want to be someone everyone can trust, especially if you’re young. When all odds are against you, you want to be able to show that you’re responsible and trustworthy.”

Duran, who earned an associate’s degree in Business Administration from Seminole State, knows what sacrifice is all about. In fact, he worked 18-hour days and seven days a week in year one of running his company. This meant missing out on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year celebrations with family. But those sacrifices later allowed him to make it up to his hard-working mom. He has paid off her debt, bought her a house and car, and even assisted her in establishing a local business that now generates USD 400,000 annually. Duran has managed to do just fine for someone who used to get stressed out over how to achieve success. And this is just the beginning because he’s currently working on Corsa Auto Rental Miami, Corsa Models, Corsa Water Sports, and Corsa Media. Another successful business he’s investing time and energy into is his Exotic Car Rental Academy, where he teaches people how to succeed in the industry. Students from all over the world take his course, and he’s been able to grow Corsa Auto Rental with his top students’ help. Together, they’re offering customers the best service in the industry.

“I treat my customers like family,” says Duran. “Eight out of 10 times my customers become my friends, and we hang out either the same day they rent or sometime in the future. My customers come to me for all their needs in and out of the automotive industry.”

Business

Spynn’s PR Playbook for Startups Turning Funding into Market Leadership

Published

3 weeks ago

March 27, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Byline: Jennyfer Ann Valencia

The recent funding boom in India, where startups raised over $428 million between March 10 and March 15, 2025, reinforces the critical role of public relations (PR) in securing investor confidence and enhancing visibility. As competition intensifies, effective PR strategies help startups differentiate themselves and build a strong market presence.

Spynn, a PR agency for startups specializing in securing top-tier media coverage, enables startups to craft compelling narratives that attract investors and maintain a positive brand image.

The Role of PR in Startup Funding

A recent survey conducted by Spynn found that startups with a strong PR strategy are significantly more likely to secure funding rounds than those without. According to the research, nearly 70% of investors say media visibility and brand credibility helped their decision-making process. This highlights PR’s direct impact on a startup’s ability to attract investment.

PR helps startups articulate their value to investors by securing media coverage and highlighting their growth potential. High-profile placements lend credibility and set up startups’ potential, making them more attractive to investors. For instance, a well-publicized success story from a startup like Zolve, one of the top funding recipients, can drive further investor interest and strengthen its brand.

India’s funding surge spans sectors including Batterytech, Edtech, Gaming, Apparel, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Fintech, Energy, and Travel. While this presents opportunities, it also brings scrutiny. Startups must manage their reputations effectively, ensuring consistency in their messaging across media platforms. As a PR agency for startups, Spynn’s expertise in reputation management helps businesses navigate these challenges by maintaining a cohesive brand identity and reinforcing investor trust.

Establishing Credibility Through Media Placements

Research from Spynn also revealed that startups that get featured on Forbes, Business Insider, and other top-tier publications experience a 50% increase in inbound investor inquiries within six months. This shows the value of securing strategic media placements to reinforce credibility and market positioning.

Strong media coverage bolsters a startup’s credibility, reinforcing its market positioning and investor confidence. Spynn ensures startups secure coverage in authoritative outlets, helping them establish themselves as thought leaders. Beyond initial publicity, Spynn focuses on building long-term relationships with media, ensuring sustained visibility and brand consistency.

Spynn’s CEO, Matteo Ferretti, emphasizes the role of storytelling, “Effective PR is about coverage and creating narratives that resonate with audiences. Startups must highlight their unique value and demonstrate how they solve real-world problems.”

PR for Growth and Global Expansion

Spynn’s data indicates that startups leveraging international PR strategies are twice as likely to successfully attract foreign investors and expand into new markets. Media coverage tailored for global audiences enhances cross-border recognition and facilitates partnerships, making PR an essential tool for growth beyond domestic markets.

As Indian startups scale, a strong PR strategy facilitates global recognition. Spynn’s international media reach helps startups gain traction in new markets and attract foreign investors. This is especially crucial for sectors like Fintech and Edtech, where global expansion is key to success.

A well-executed PR strategy strengthens a startup’s digital footprint, ensuring a consistent and engaging presence across platforms. Matteo Ferretti highlights the importance of balance, “A successful PR approach integrates both digital and traditional media to maximize impact and audience engagement.“

Ethical Considerations and Future Trends

Transparency and ethical storytelling are vital in PR. Startups must ensure authenticity in their messaging to build lasting trust. Spynn upholds ethical PR practices that align with principles of sustainability and integrity.

Indian startups must adapt to evolving PR trends, including AI-driven outreach, digital media dominance, and deeper media relationships. As competition grows, startups that take advantage of PR will have a better standing for long-term success.

Spynn’s PR strategies equip Indian startups with the tools to navigate funding surges, enhance credibility, and drive growth. By securing impactful media coverage and managing reputation effectively, startups can strengthen investor confidence and expand their market presence. As India’s startup ecosystem evolves, PR remains an indispensable asset for sustained success.