Founders Masterclass: PR & Media Strategy for Founders

Organized by: Innovate Prague and Czech Founders
Partners: Hustá and Ecomail
Event Language: English
🎟️ Access Note & Approval Policy:
Priority Access: Members of Innovate Prague and Czech Founders.
Founder-Focused Event: This session is specifically designed for startup founders and key communication decision-makers.
Screening Process: Registration includes short screening questions. All applications are manually reviewed and approved to ensure a high-value, relevant discussion for all participants.
About the Event
Building a product is only half the battle; the other half is making sure the right people hear about it. PR for startups isn't just about "getting an article"—it’s a strategic tool for attracting investors, top talent, and early adopters.
Join us at the Ecomail offices for a hands-on Masterclass where we move past marketing clichés and dive into the actual mechanics of media relations and narrative building. Followed by the Fireside chat with Founders and Networking at the amazing terrace with a view to Václavské náměstí!
What to Expect
Masterclass: PR & Media Strategy for Founders 🛠️ Jan Husták (Husta) will deconstruct the myth of the "viral press release." He’ll show you how to build an authentic narrative that media actually want to cover and how to think about communication as a long-term equity builder for your brand.
🛠️ Jan Husták – Founder @Hustá
Tagline: Turns promising startups into media stars.
Expertise: PR strategist with a portfolio including Twisto, Productboard, Mews, STRV, and KAYA VC.
Focus: Jan specializes in building authentic narratives that media actually want to cover, acting as a strategic partner for founders.
Fireside Chat: War Stories from the PR Trenches 🔥 A moderated discussion with two iconic figures of the Czech startup scene who have navigated everything from hyper-growth PR to international exits. No filters, just the reality of building a brand that lasts.
Michal Šmída (Founder of Twisto): Michal pioneered the fintech category in CEE. He’ll share how Twisto used PR to build trust in a completely new financial product and how communication played a key role in their international expansion and exit journey.
Jakub Stupka (Co-founder & COO of Ecomail): Jakub is hosting us "at home." He will discuss how Ecomail built a dominant market position and a genuine lovebrand without massive marketing budgets, and how they leverage community and transparency as a competitive advantage.
UPDATE ⚠️
While Jakub Stupka unfortunately cannot make it, we have upgraded our evening program to bring you even more specific execution insights:
The Opening Intro: Will now be delivered by Jan Tlapák (Co-founder & CEO at Ecomail, Topol.io, Pixla.io), who will welcome us to their incredible space.
The Fireside Chat: Joining Twisto founder Michal Šmída in the hot seat is Veronika Dostálová, the CMO of Ecomail. Veronika runs their marketing and PR strategy from the trenches and will be sharing exact, practical growth frameworks.
Who Should Attend
✔️ Founders looking to put their startup on the map.
✔️ Scaleup CEOs managing complex media narratives and high-stakes visibility.
✔️ Marketing & Comms Leads responsible for building brand authority.
✔️ Ecosystem Leaders looking to understand the current media landscape.
Agenda
17:30 – Doors Open & Registration
18:00 – Welcome & Intro
18:15 – Masterclass Block (Jan Husták, Husta)
18:45 – Fireside Chat & Q&A
19:15 – Networking & Drinks 🍻
Capacity is limited. Please register early to secure your spot.
Akce je spolufinancována z projektu Prague Smart Akcelerátor+, registrační číslo  CZ.02.01.02/00/22_009/0008344, spolufinancovaného z prostředků Evropské unie v rámci OP JAK.