Jul 25, 2025
With the help of GenAI, analyzed headlines from TechCrunch and Wired. The results align very well with what we have noticed ourselves, and it's actually really good news for those of us working in pitching.
Here’s what both the AI and we discovered:
1️⃣ Real consequences win over abstract technology every time. Headlines that are about what is actually happening simply work best. Like “XYZ startup raises 20 million euros to prevent invoice fraud in the Nordics” – it outperforms all generic product launches by a long shot.
2️⃣ Details are worth their weight in gold. Numbers, names, and time frames make headlines feel real. “Tools cut development time by 30%” is so much stronger than the vague “Tools improve productivity.”
3️⃣ A little excitement never hurts. A surprise here and there, such as a contrarian angle, makes tech stories that people actually remember. Pitches that go against the grain – “betting against the hype” – worked really well.
4️⃣ Strong verbs make strong headlines. And yes, style matters! Headlines with clear, active verbs (“builds,” “secures,” “disrupts”) have more momentum than vaguer alternatives. “Startup secures 15 million euros to expand AI recruitment platform” simply crushes “Startup gets new funding.”
AI cannot replace your gut feeling, but it can help you refine it. Before you pitch, test your headline: “Would TechCrunch bite on this?” Or let the AI rewrite it in Wired style – you’ll quickly learn what works!