A press release is a formal announcement used to share important company news with media, investors, customers, partners, and other stakeholders. For private companies, press releases can support fundraising, credibility, market awareness, investor relations, recruiting, partnerships, and strategic communications.

But not every company update needs a press release. The best press releases are timely, specific, and newsworthy. They explain what happened, why it matters, who is involved, and what comes next.

What is a press release?

A press release is a written announcement distributed to media outlets, industry publications, investors, or other audiences. It follows a standard format and is designed to communicate news clearly and efficiently.

Private companies may use press releases to announce:

• Funding rounds
• Product launches
• Strategic partnerships
• Executive hires
• Acquisitions
• Major customer wins
• Company milestones
• Awards
• Events
• Research or data releases
• Expansion into new markets

The goal is to communicate news in a way that is credible, concise, and easy for others to understand or republish.

When should a private company issue a press release?

A press release is appropriate when the announcement is meaningful to an external audience.

Good reasons to issue a press release include:

• The company raised capital
• A major partnership was signed
• A new product or service launched
• The company entered a new market
• A senior executive joined the team
• The company completed an acquisition
• A major milestone was reached
• New research or industry data is being shared

Avoid issuing press releases for minor updates that do not have a clear audience or news angle.

What should a press release include?

A standard press release should include:

• Headline
• Subheadline
• Dateline
• Opening paragraph
• Supporting details
• Quote from leadership
• Additional context
• Boilerplate company description
• Media contact
• Investor contact, if relevant

Each section has a purpose.

Press release structure

1. Headline

The headline should clearly state the news.

A good headline is specific, direct, and easy to understand.

Examples:

• Company Announces $10 Million Series A Financing
• Company Launches New Platform for Healthcare Data Automation
• Company Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
• Company Expands Into Texas Market

Avoid vague headlines like “Company Announces Exciting New Development.”

2. Subheadline

The subheadline adds context to the headline.

It can explain:

• Why the news matters
• Who is involved
• What the announcement supports
• What milestone was achieved

Example:

“The financing will support product development, hiring, and expansion into new enterprise accounts.”

3. Dateline

The dateline includes the city, state, and date of the announcement.

Example:

“Houston, Texas — May 3, 2026 —”

4. Opening paragraph

The first paragraph should summarize the announcement in plain language.

It should answer:

• Who is making the announcement?
• What happened?
• When did it happen?
• Why does it matter?

Do not bury the news. Put the most important information first.

5. Supporting details

After the opening paragraph, provide additional context.

This may include:

• Background on the company
• Details about the product or transaction
• Market context
• Customer benefits
• Funding use
• Strategic rationale
• Partner information
• Milestone details

Keep this section focused. A press release should not read like a full business plan.

6. Leadership quote

Most press releases include a quote from the CEO, founder, or relevant executive.

A good quote should add perspective, not repeat the headline.

Useful quote topics:

• Why the announcement matters
• How it supports the company’s mission
• What it means for customers or investors
• What the company is focused on next

Avoid generic quotes like “We are excited to announce this milestone.” Add substance.

7. Partner or investor quote

If the announcement involves a partner, investor, customer, or advisor, include a second quote when appropriate.

This can add third-party credibility.

Examples:

• Investor quote for funding announcement
• Partner quote for strategic partnership
• Customer quote for major deployment
• Board member quote for executive hire

Make sure all quotes are approved before distribution.

8. Company boilerplate

The boilerplate is a short standard company description at the end of the release.

It should include:

• Company name
• What the company does
• Who it serves
• Location, if relevant
• Website

Keep it consistent across releases and update it as the company evolves.

9. Media and investor contact

Include a contact for media or investor inquiries.

This may include:

• Name
• Title
• Email
• Phone number, if appropriate
• Website

Make sure the listed contact is prepared to respond.

Press release best practices

a) Make the news clear immediately

Readers should understand the announcement in the headline and first paragraph.

b) Avoid overhyped language

Press releases should be positive but credible. Avoid excessive adjectives and unsupported claims.

c) Use specific details

Specifics make announcements stronger. Include numbers, names, dates, locations, product details, or strategic rationale where appropriate.

d) Keep it concise

Most press releases should be 400 to 800 words. Complex announcements may be longer, but clarity matters more than length.

e) Align with investor materials

If the announcement is relevant to investors, make sure it aligns with the company’s deck, website, reports, and broader narrative.

f) Prepare follow-up materials

A press release may lead to questions. Prepare supporting materials such as:

• Updated website content
• Investor deck
• Fact sheet
• FAQ
• Media kit
• Executive bio
• Product images

Common press release mistakes

Common mistakes include:

• Weak headline
• No clear news angle
• Too much promotional language
• Missing contact information
• Overly long paragraphs
• Quotes that say nothing meaningful
• No supporting details
• Inconsistent company description
• Announcing before stakeholders are aligned
• Distributing without a follow-up plan

A press release should support the company’s communication strategy, not exist in isolation.

How Investor Creations helps

Investor Creations helps private companies draft and distribute press releases that are clear, timely, and aligned with the company story. This can include writing the announcement, refining the messaging, preparing quotes, coordinating supporting materials, and managing distribution through appropriate channels.

The goal is to make company news more professional, credible, and useful to investors and stakeholders.

FAQ

Do private companies need press releases?

Private companies do not need press releases for every update, but they can be useful for meaningful announcements such as funding, partnerships, product launches, executive hires, and major milestones.

How long should a press release be?

Most press releases should be 400 to 800 words, depending on the complexity of the announcement.

What makes a press release newsworthy?

A press release is newsworthy when it announces something meaningful to an external audience, such as a financing, partnership, product launch, acquisition, or strategic milestone.

Should a press release include quotes?

Yes. Most press releases include at least one leadership quote, and sometimes a second quote from an investor, partner, customer, or advisor.

Can Investor Creations help distribute press releases?

Yes. Investor Creations can help draft press releases and manage distribution through appropriate media channels.

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