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How StartupBrander Works – 10 Questions and Answers

The whole process: from your brief to a proposal from the right agency.

Updated: September 2026

1. What is StartupBrander.com?

StartupBrander.com is a matching platform for startup branding. You describe your project once in detail, we review the brief and forward it to the branding agency that best fits your scope, budget, industry and location. We are not an agency ourselves.

2. How does a brief work?

You complete the questionnaire in six steps: startup, services, starting point, budget and timing, collaboration, contact. A person then reads your brief, clarifies open points if needed and forwards it to the right agency within 2 working days. The agency contacts you directly.

3. Why one agency and not several?

Because good agencies don't want to invest time in tenders against many competitors – and you don't want ten intro calls. We choose the agency that fits your project. If no collaboration results, we ask you before forwarding the brief to another agency.

4. What does StartupBrander cost for startups?

Nothing. Brief, review and forwarding are free and without obligation for startups. You only pay the agency – and only if you accept its proposal.

5. How do you choose the ideal agency?

We match your answers with agency profiles: requested services, budget range, industry, stage, language, location and whether you want to work in person or remotely. The more precise your brief, the better the match.

6. In which cities is StartupBrander active?

Currently in 26 cities, including Zurich, Geneva, Vienna, Berlin, Munich, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Stockholm, New York, Boston, Johannesburg and Dubai. Choose «Other city / remote» if yours is missing.

7. In which languages can I submit a brief?

In English, German, French, Spanish and Italian. Submit the brief in your language and state in the questionnaire which language meetings should be held in.

8. How quickly will I hear back?

We review every brief and forward it within 2 working days. How fast the agency then sends a proposal depends on the scope – with a complete questionnaire often within a few days.

9. Am I committing to anything?

No. The brief is non-binding. A contract only comes about when you accept an agency's proposal – directly between you and the agency.

10. What happens to my data?

We only use your details to find the right agency and only forward them with your explicit consent. Details are in our privacy policy; you can withdraw your consent at any time.

A proposal, not questionnaires

Describe your project once – we forward it to the ideal agency.

Start your brief →

← FAQ overview

Your branding brief

About 10 minutes. The more precise your answers, the more precise the proposal – and the fewer calls you need.

Take your time – you don't have to do it all at once.Your answers are saved automatically in this browser. Fill in the brief in two or three sessions: close the window, come back later – everything you entered is still there. To continue on another device, save your answers as a file.

1. Your startup

The basics every agency asks first. Associations, NGOs and non-profits are welcome too.

Stage

Business model

Target markets

2. What you need

From strategy and logo to web portal, app and trade-fair booth.

What do you need? Tick everything that applies. Grouped the way branding agencies structure their services. Not sure where to start? Select the essential kit – you can add or remove items afterwards.

Nothing selected yet

★ = essential kit every startup needs

Brand strategy & positioning

Naming & corporate wording

Logo & corporate design

Business stationery

Website, web portal & e-commerce

App & product design (UX/UI)

Pitch deck & investors

Marketing, campaigns & editorial

Packaging design

Trade-fair booth, signage & space

Launch, film & photo

PR & communications

Employer branding & culture

Ongoing support (per month)

3. Starting point

What exists already and where the brand should go.

Why now? The trigger for the project.

What already exists?

What must stay?

at least 20 characters

Interested in a digital competitor analysis?How your competitors show up online: website or shop, which pages and search terms (keywords) bring them the most traffic, social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok), apps and ads. Many agencies do this together with SEO and online-marketing partners.

Brand characterMove the sliders – the middle means «no preference».

PlayfulSerious
ClassicModern
AffordablePremium
UnderstatedBold
Warm & humanTechnical & precise
4. Budget & timing

The two questions that decide whether an agency can help you.

Budget for this project Excl. VAT. A realistic range saves everyone time – agencies scale the scope to it.

Is the budget approved?

Payment models you are open to

Would you be willing to pay part of the fee in company shares (equity)? Some agencies work with startups partly in exchange for a stake – this can lower the cash amount. Whether it is possible is always up to the agency.

How would you like to pay? Some agencies also accept cryptocurrencies – please tell us so we can match you with a suitable agency.

Which cryptocurrencies could you pay with?Only if crypto is possible – tick all that apply.

How fixed is the deadline?

5. Working together

So you are matched with agencies that work the way you do.

Who makes the final decision?

How do you want to choose an agency?We do not forward requests for unpaid creative pitches.

Location of the agency

Preferred agency size

Experience with agencies

Should the agency also take care of legal protection?Trademark search and registration for name and logo, design protection, domains and transfer of usage rights. Agencies usually coordinate this with an IP lawyer. Patents protect technical inventions and are a matter for a patent attorney, not a branding agency.

6. Contact

Who the agencies should talk to.

Preferred first contact

Your answers are saved in this browser until you send the brief.