What’s the craziest thing a startup can do to get attention?
Yesterday I saw the headline that Perplexity tried to buy Google Chrome for $34.5B. One move and they got free coverage in BBC, NYT, Business Insider, and basically every major tech outlet.
That’s tens of millions in equivalent PR value… without spending it. Just create a news story with a slightly absurd twist and boom, you’re front-page material.
So I’m wondering: what are some other wild tactics you’ve seen (or used) to grab attention?
Examples that come to mind:
– Sending a pizza to every journalist in your industry with a QR code on the box leading to your launch page.
– Renting a billboard in front of your competitor’s HQ with a cheeky message.
– Openly challenging an industry leader to a product “duel” in public.
Your turn: what’s the boldest, craziest, or most unexpected stunt you’ve seen work?👇
Replies
I found it really absurd when the creators of Green Dildo Coin took advantage of a women's basketball game and threw green dildos onto the court. 😭🙈 Like wtf? Bizzare.
The article: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2025/08/07/wnba-sex-toys-green-dildo-crypto-meme-coin/85551443007/
That's smart....but imaging Google said Yes to their offer
Haha, I read about that too. Though Google would never sell the browser, it has become practically their bread and butter alongside Google Ads, it was definitely a controversial move that made headlines everywhere.
So, creating bold and controversial (and hopefully not negative) moves to generate attention could certainly shift the tides. It could give enough push to last few more months, while startups are trying to find market fit.