Tell us about yourself and your background
I’m the founder and CEO of Makers PR – an independent communications agency for innovative companies. I started my career at the biggest startup hub in my home country named the ‘Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe’ by the Wall Street Journal back in the day. Throughout my 10-year journey, I’ve had the privilege of working with dozens of high-growth tech companies, including two unicorns. I’ve helped startups build their brand presence from scratch, focusing on strategic communications to ensure their stories resonate with audiences.
In 2023, after years of working in-house with leading tech brands, I decided to channel my expertise into founding Makers PR. My vision was to help innovative companies, particularly in the tech sector, navigate the complexities of public relations in the MENA region and go global.
What inspired you to found Makers PR?
The decision to start Makers PR was driven by my experience working with startups and witnessing how crucial strategic communications are in their growth journey. I saw firsthand how tech companies struggled to build visibility, gain credibility, and connect with the right audiences, especially in competitive markets. I wanted to create an agency that not only delivered media coverage but also helped founders build lasting brand credibility and a strong narrative. Makers PR was born out of the desire to fill this gap and provide tailored PR solutions that help tech companies thrive.
At Makers PR, we don’t just advise—we immerse ourselves in our clients’ journeys, offering tailored strategies that grow their brands sustainably. As one of the clients recently put it, “Makers PR are as passionate about our growth as we are,” and I think that’s the best accolade.
What is your mission? How do you help entrepreneurs and business leaders?
Our mission is to help entrepreneurs realize their potential by establishing their brand presence and credibility from the ground up. We specialize in innovative solutions for sectors like AI, fintech, blockchain, and more, and we’re passionate about helping entrepreneurs and business leaders create compelling narratives that resonate with the media and their target audiences.
We help founders by crafting PR strategies built around their unique stories. Our approach is not just about press coverage—it’s about creating a comprehensive communications strategy that includes media relations, thought leadership, events, and awards. We want to help founders establish trust, grow their brand, and build a loyal community to support their long-term success.
What makes Makers PR unique in the marketplace?
Makers PR stands out for several reasons. First, we understand the startup ecosystem inside and out. As someone who’s worked with multiple unicorns and high-growth companies, I bring a deep understanding of the unique challenges startups face in building a brand. Unlike traditional PR agencies, we focus on the long-term journey, helping startups build credibility and media presence step by step.
We also understand the unique dynamics of different markets – be it MENA, Western Europe, or the US. Our expertise in navigating regions’ diverse media landscape and understanding cultural nuances allows us to position startups effectively in local and global markets.
What has been your biggest success as a company?
This year alone, my agency saved over $1,000,000 in PR costs for our clients.
Our clients spoke at the largest tech events and niche industry podcasts, won prestigious awards from the likes of Inc Arabia and Entrepreneur Middle East, and gained massive media exposure. A single press release, when executed properly, can bring our clients up to 60 organic articles with over 40 million potential readers.
This success is a reminder that PR when executed correctly, doesn’t always need massive budgets. It’s about the right approach, the right story, and the right PR partner.
You have worked with several high-profile clients; can you share a case study of a successful client project?
What makes me most proud is the strategic results the clients get when they trust us with long-term PR support. One of our biggest successes was full PR support for a startup launching operations in the UAE. The company came to us with no brand presence in the UAE, and in 6-8 months we helped them build one of the most recognizable industry brands with hundreds of media articles, numerous prestigious awards won, and the founder making it to the Forbes 30 under 30 list.
This case truly highlighted the power of consistent and strategic PR. By building strong media relationships and crafting a story that resonated with journalists, we achieved impactful results with zero budget for paid media.
What is your most in-demand service right now?
The most popular service is a 3-month full PR service with a comms strategy, media relations, events and awards support. We are blessed to work with the clients who trust us in this journey.
Why is this so important? This approach gives startups the foundation they need to scale sustainably and become market leaders.
I’m sad to see some people treat PR as gambling, looking for quick wins. With this approach, the results are a hit or miss, which leads to an overall low trust for PR in the market.
To see tangible results, PR requires time, effort, consistency, and most importantly, a strategic approach. Before approaching a PR agency, ask yourself: “What are my business goals?” Not your marketing goals, not your PR goals, but your business goals. Only then the right PR agency will help you identify how to support those with PR: the channels, the tools, the story angles, and the timeline.
What are the biggest PR trends right now in the Middle East?
1. The rising importance of personal branding and thought leadership. Startups are increasingly recognizing the importance of positioning their founders as industry leaders. Thought leadership allows them to differentiate themselves, establish credibility, and engage with key stakeholders. We’ve seen a high demand for helping clients develop and position their founders as experts in their respective fields, whether it’s through media interviews, opinion pieces, or speaking at industry events.
2. Brand credibility as an asset. PR is gaining trust as a strategic tool for unlocking high-level partnerships, building better investor relations, fundraising, and more. There’s a growing focus on brand visibility and credibility through storytelling. Companies in the region are realizing that consumers and investors want to connect with a brand on a deeper level. A good story can make a brand stand out, and that’s where PR plays a pivotal role in shaping how a brand communicates its vision.
Why are press releases such an important element of a marketing strategy?
Press releases are crucial because they serve as the official channel through which a company communicates its news to the media, helping the brand control the narrative. A well-crafted press release can significantly impact a company’s visibility, generate media coverage, and shape how a brand is perceived.
However, it’s important to remember that press releases alone are not enough. They should be part of a broader PR strategy that includes ongoing media relations, content development, and audience engagement.
What are your top THREE PR tips?
1. Start early and build relationships: Startups should begin building their PR strategy as soon as possible. The relationships you form with journalists, influencers, and media outlets early on will pay off in the long run.
2. Be authentic and transparent: The days of polished corporate messages are over. Audiences today value authenticity. Tell your real story, even if it’s not perfect. Transparency builds trust, which is key to establishing credibility.
3. Be proactive and consistent: PR is not a one-off task. It’s about consistent effort over time. Keep pushing your story out there, engage with the media regularly, and don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—create them.
How do you stay current with the latest industry trends?
I make it a point to stay engaged with global and local PR and tech communities. Makers PR is the official partner of industry events like GITEX, Seamless Middle East, and Blockchain Life, which allows me to connect with the ecosystem and stay on top of emerging trends. I also read industry publications, listen to podcasts, and follow key influencers in PR and tech. Staying curious and continuously learning is crucial in an industry that’s always evolving.
How do you see the PR industry evolving over the next few years?
The PR industry will continue to evolve as technology and digital media reshape how we communicate. The future of PR will be more data-centric, with real-time feedback and adjustments driving campaign strategies.
Yet, the fundamentals will remain the same: having clear business objectives that translate into PR objectives, a proper mid- to long-term communication strategy, and the right PR partner will still be instrumental for success.
What are your goals as a company for the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I envision Makers PR becoming the go-to brand for tech startups globally. Our goal is to expand our services and continue helping startups build the credibility and visibility they need to succeed globally. We also plan to develop a holistic ecosystem, deepening our partnerships with venture capitalists and accelerators to support startups even more. Ultimately, we want to help create an environment where innovation thrives and entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed.
Where can readers find out more about Makers PR?
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