At last week’s virtual Startup Grind AI Summit, Mayfield Partner Patrick Salyer explained a complex market shift with one easy-to-understand comparison:
“The Series A is kind of like what the Series B used to be, and the seed is what the A used to be.”
I interviewed Salyer nearly seven years ago when he joined Mayfield. I don’t know if his ability to land a soundbite comes from media training or if it’s just part of his makeup, but his delivery here was exceptional and poised.
No jargon. No detour. Just a quick analogy that anyone in the audience could understand.
Salyer isn’t the first to describe how early-stage definitions have evolved, but the way he phrased it landed. It reminded me of a key storytelling trait I tell clients all the time: soundbites matter.
When you’re on stage or in an interview, your goal is to get your message out, whether that’s announcing news, building your brand or reinforcing what your company stands for. The most effective way to do that is with a soundbite: something short, clear and easy to repeat.
I know, that’s harder than it sounds.
Founders often default to long-winded answers. But if you have conviction, a one-liner can carry the weight of your whole point. And it’s what journalists, investors, customers and conference audiences are most going to remember.
🔶 Don’t just prepare talking points. Script at least one soundbite.
🔶 Keep it short. One sentence, max two.
🔶 Comparisons are a great way to create a soundbite. Like Salyer’s “A is the new B”.
🔶 Test it out. Would someone repeat it back after hearing it once?
That’s your Media Shot for this week. Make yours count.
I work with founders and investors to sharpen pitch decks, prep for media interviews and build stronger stories for customers and backers. If that’s on your plate, let’s talk.
