TechStars Chicago Joins Forces with Tech PR Firm Walker Sands Communications

CHICAGO – June 10, 2013 – Walker Sands, a public relations and digital marketing agency for B2B and technology companies, will be working with the world’s #1 startup accelerator. As a sponsor and supporter of TechStars Chicago’s summer 2013 startup class, Walker Sands will provide PR guidance and resources to help the new companies develop their communications strategies and messaging prior to Demo Day, held in August. TechStars Chicago recently announced the 10 selected companies – seven from the United States, two from Canada and one from Russia – who will begin the summer program at the end of May. The startups’ specializations range from social platforms for fitness and trading to B2B platforms for email targeting and website optimization. “We’ve worked with many startups and early-stage technology companies across a variety of industries and realize how difficult it can be to navigate through branding and messaging while getting up and running,” said Mike Santoro, president of Walker Sands Communications. “We look forward to providing marketing and public relations support so that these 10 talented companies can focus on their passion and build a strong foundation leading up to Demo Day and beyond.” As part of its sponsorship, Walker Sands will provide dedicated on-site resources throughout the summer at 1871, the co-working space home to TechStars Chicago. Walker Sands will assist in the development of key messaging, marketing plans, public relations and social media strategies. The firm will also lead a one-hour interactive workshop for portfolio companies to address current marketing challenges in preparation of Demo Day. “TechStars’ goal for every company selected into the program is to set them up for long-term success,” said Troy Henikoff, Managing Director of TechStars Chicago. “We provide funding as well as world-class mentorship so that the startups have access to the best of the best. Walker Sands’ public relations contribution to this summer’s startups will be invaluable now as well as moving forward.” About Walker Sands Walker Sands Communications is a full-service marketing and public relations firm offering service to B2B and technology companies ranging from startup to enterprise-level. With offices in Chicago and San Francisco, Walker Sands was founded in 2001 to provide marketing and public relations support for a wide array of companies with the business mission of providing best-in-class communications counsel. In 2012, Walker Sands was named a PR News and Bulldog Reporter finalist for Small Agency of the Year. To learn more, visit https://www.walkersands.com. About TechStars Chicago TechStars Chicago, formerly Excelerate Labs, is one of the nation’s premier accelerator programs for technology startups. The program has graduated 30 companies, which have gone on to raise more than $30 million in funding to date. Named one of Forbes Magazine’s Top 10 Hottest Startup Incubators, TechStars Chicago operates out of the 1871 co-working space in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. For more information, visit http://www.techstars.com/program/locations/chicago/.