If your goal is “to publish a press release on TechCrunch,” it’s important to understand how TechCrunch works: TechCrunch is an editorial newsroom, not an open press-release posting site. That means you don’t upload a release and instantly appear on the site. Instead, you pitch a newsworthy story and provide your release as supporting material.
TechCrunch makes this clear in its own guidance: if you have a press release or pitch, you can email it to tips@techcrunch.com.
This article shows you exactly how to do that in a professional, newsroom-friendly way.
Why TechCrunch is different from “press release distribution”
Some PR platforms publish releases directly (often syndicated). TechCrunch doesn’t. TechCrunch editors decide what to cover based on:
- Newsworthiness (real, timely impact)
- Relevance to startups/tech/business
- Evidence (numbers, context, credible sources)
- Clear angle (why this matters now)
If your “press release” reads like marketing copy, it’s usually ignored—because it’s not written as a story.
Where to submit to TechCrunch
1) The main inbox for press releases and pitches
TechCrunch’s official guidance states you can send an unencrypted email to:
2) If your info requires discretion or you want anonymity
TechCrunch provides secure contact options in its “How to tip TechCrunch” page (encrypted methods, SecureDrop references, etc.).
Step 1: Decide if your story fits TechCrunch
TechCrunch is most responsive to stories like:
- Funding rounds (Seed/Series A/B, etc.)
- Acquisitions / M&A
- Major product launches with a real market shift
- Startup metrics that show unusual traction
- Industry-level data reports (with original insights)
- Security incidents with credible verification
- High-impact partnerships (not “we signed an MoU”)
Not great fits:
- Generic company announcements
- Small feature updates with no market significance
- Pure “brand awareness” PR
Step 2: Build a pitch, not a marketing email
Your pitch should answer six questions in under 15 seconds:
- What happened?
- Who is involved?
- Why does it matter?
- What’s new/unusual?
- What proof do you have?
- What can TechCrunch publish today?
TechCrunch also publishes guidance on pitching and newsroom logistics (exclusives, embargoes, relationship-building). It’s worth reading if you pitch often.
Step 3: Use a TechCrunch-friendly email structure (copy/paste template)
Subject line (keep it specific):
Funding: [Startup] raises $XM Series A led by [Fund]Launch: [Startup] introduces [product] to solve [problem] for [market]Exclusive: [Startup] acquires [company] to expand into [region/category]
Email body template:
Hello TechCrunch team,
One-sentence news hook:
Today, [Company] announced [funding/launch/acquisition/report] to [impact/why it matters].
What’s the proof (2–4 bullets):
- Key number(s): $X raised / X users / X% growth / ARR / major customer
- What’s different vs. alternatives: [one clear differentiator]
- Market context: [why now / trend / pain point]
- Availability: CEO/Founder available for interview today/tomorrow [time zone]
Assets & links:
- Press release (link or attached PDF)
- Press kit (logo, product screenshots, founder headshots)
- Product demo link (if available)
Best regards,
[Name], [Role]
[Company]
Phone / WhatsApp (optional) | Email | Website
Where to send: tips@techcrunch.com
Step 4: Prepare a press kit that reduces editor effort
If an editor has to chase you for basics, you lose momentum. Include:
- Company boilerplate (50–80 words)
- Founder bio (50–80 words)
- High-res logo (PNG + SVG)
- 2–5 product screenshots (clean, labeled)
- One “hero” image (optional)
- Funding details (round size, lead investor, participation)
- Short FAQ sheet:
- Who is the user?
- Pricing/business model?
- What’s the traction?
- Who are the competitors?
- What’s your differentiation?
Step 5: Handle embargoes and exclusives correctly
If your news is embargoed, state it clearly at the top:
EMBARGO until: [Day, Date, Time, Timezone]
If you offer an exclusive, be honest and consistent. TechCrunch’s pitching guidance discusses embargoes/exclusives and the mechanics that matter to journalists.
Step 6: Follow up without burning the relationship
A professional follow-up cadence:
- Follow up once after 48–72 business hours
- Keep it short:
- “Checking whether this is of interest”
- Add one new data point if you have it (don’t resend the same email)
Avoid:
- Daily follow-ups
- “Did you see my email??”
- Multiple people from your team spamming the same inbox
Common mistakes that get ignored fast
- Vague subject lines: “Exciting announcement”
- No numbers, no proof, no angle
- Massive pasted press release with no summary
- Over-hype language (“revolutionary”, “world’s best”)
- Pitching guest columns instead of news: TechCrunch states it no longer accepts guest columns and directs readers toward sponsored/advertising options.
What to expect after you submit
No response doesn’t always mean “no.” Newsrooms are busy. If it’s a fit, TechCrunch may ask for:
- Confirmation of figures
- A quick founder call
- Supporting docs
- Additional images or a demo
If your story is time-sensitive or sensitive, use TechCrunch’s secure contact paths.