Business

Q&A with co-founder of @toptree, Layne Schmerin

Published

5 years ago

April 18, 2020

Tell us about Top Tree and what was the idea behind Top Tree?

Basically Top Tree is a digital marketing agency through which we help people to grow and sell their products to the target audience . We design ads campaigns in such a way that it targets the audience and the ads are interesting so it attracts the audience. At Top Tree we use creative medium of ads which includes memes as you can see on our Instagram and other social media accounts.

I am from music background and before Top Tree I was working with big names like Macklemore and suddenly my brother Brandon passed away and at that point of time me and my brother Jonathan decided to start our recreational medicine company and to make people aware about medical benefits of recreational medicines we started Top Tree.

When you realised that you can work with other people and can help them out?

After initials days we realised that our techniques are very effective and the way we were promoting our recreational medicines brand was working for us . And at this point we realised that we can help out others and look at us now , we are having a network of more than 1o millions and I am glad that we are helping people in growing their brands. It feels good to be the catalyst of positive change.

You follow same ways for your every clients or you have different strategies for different clients?

Our strategies are according to the needs of our clients . All the ad campaigns are designed according to the need of the client. We target the audience according to the need of our clients and ads are basically memes and other funny contents which catches the eye of audience. The ads are planned in such a way that it delievers the message which we want to deliever andin this we attract our target audience . And this is working for us . Top Tree is having more than 1 million followers across social media platforms and people praise us for our contents . Right now we are working with many different people which includes music label “Columbia Records”, e-commerce brand (featured on Shark Tank) and the way of working is different for every project as we are working with people with diverse background and this challenges our creative mindset .

How you work and what is your approach when you get any work?

As the creative head of Top Tree whenever we get any project I like to do research about the product . Then I start to plan ad campaign and while planning everything I try to think like the target audience , like what would be catchy content , what kind of ads or memes will attract me and what I will find interesting and what will be engaging for me.This is how I work and whenever I get any project I get excited like that is my first project and I give my 100 percent .

So what is next for Top Tree?

We are going to work the way we are working and will keep on trying to do something new as marketing world keeps on changing and we can not stay stagnant thinking that we are successful now. We are working twice harder everyday as the competition is increasing day by day and we want to stay at the top of this chain .

Any piece of advice for upcoming digital marketer.

Keep on learning as it keeps on evolving . Don’t get disappointed if you are not getting success as this world takes time and you have to work hard and need to keep calm and need to have faith as your hardwork will pay off eventually. Most of the young entrepreneurs thinks that they will get instant success and when they don’t get it they loose hope and they give up, but this is not how it works keep on working you won’t get instant success but you will be successful eventually if you continue to work hard as it is a continuous process .

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.