ASTRSK PR announces that applications for ASTRSK PR’s 6th Annual Pro-Bono PR search are now open.

Unfortunately, less than 10% of all VC deals go to women, people of color, and LGBTQ founders. On a mission to lift the voices of these underrepresented founders and their companies in the media, ASTRSK is committed to doing its small part in enforcing real change and encouraging inclusivity and created its pro bono contest as a response to support diverse entrepreneurs who believe in forging their own way.

Qualifying founders interested in entering can apply here – applications open March 29, 2023 at 12:01AM EST & close April 15, 2023 at 11:59PM EST. To qualify, applicants must be:

- A woman and/or a BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQIA+ founder

- An ‘early stage’ startup that has not raised more than $1.5M in funding

- A consumer facing brand (no B2B solutions or offerings)

Here’s some more information:

- The selected winner of the contest will receive one year of public relations services from the full team of creative media hustlers and professionals at ASTRSK PR, valued at over $200,000.

- To date, ASTRSK has awarded over $1 million dollars in pro bono PR to underrepresented founders, committed to taking their brands to the next level through the power of PR.

- The search has attracted incredible brands founded by diverse entrepreneurs who are deserving of media attention, including HairDays, Both& Apparel, Stix, Juicebox and Beam Impact.

- The winner is selected by the ASTRSK team and judges such as Marlon Nichols, Founding Managing Partner at MaC Venture Capital, Shanté Cosme, Chief Content Officer at Global Press Journal and former Editor-in-Chief at Mic. and Hannah Rimm, Senior Editor at Refinery29.