In a recent LinkedIn post, James Hurman discusses the launch and recent funding of Drumbeat, a new PR platform developed by his company, New+Improved Ventures. Hurman highlights the platform’s aim to provide brands with a consistent and measurable approach to earning media, fundamentally changing how PR outcomes are achieved and tracked.
Hurman emphasizes the platform’s capability to drive a regular cadence of PR stories, contrasting it with the often sporadic nature of traditional PR efforts. He states:
“Not one off every now and then, but on a regular cadence, so that the effects compound.”
Transforming PR Cadence and Compounding Effects
As James Hurman explains, Drumbeat is designed to move beyond the occasional PR win to establish a consistent flow of earned media. This regular activity, he argues, allows for compounding effects, where each successful story builds momentum and credibility for the brand. This contrasts sharply with traditional PR models that may yield results infrequently.
Hurman further elaborates on the platform’s value proposition by contrasting its cost-effectiveness and transparency with established PR agency models. He points out the significant cost difference and the enhanced visibility into PR efforts.
Addressing the Value Gap in Traditional PR
The post directly targets brands that may question the return on investment from expensive PR retainers. Hurman notes:
“If you’re a brand that looks at that $15K/month PR agency retainer and wonders about the value it’s delivering, we made Drumbeat for you.”
This statement positions Drumbeat as a direct solution for businesses seeking more tangible and reportable value from their PR investments. According to Hurman, the platform offers a more efficient and transparent alternative.
Enhanced Metric Visibility for Marketers
A key differentiator highlighted by Hurman is the platform’s focus on metric visibility. Traditionally, PR has been notoriously difficult to quantify in terms of direct marketing impact. Drumbeat aims to rectify this by providing marketers with tools to track and report PR inputs and outcomes in a manner comparable to other digital marketing channels.
Hurman states:
“With way more metric visibility, meaning marketers have a way to track and report their PR inputs and outcomes like they do with their other forms of marketing and advertising.”
This emphasis on data-driven insights is crucial for modern marketing departments that require clear ROI justification for all their expenditures. As Hurman sees it, Drumbeat brings PR into the fold of measurable marketing disciplines.
Fueling Global Expansion with New Investment
Adding significant weight to the Drumbeat initiative, Hurman announced a fresh $2 million funding round. He credits this investment to a group of investors, notably led by Icehouse Ventures, and frames it as the catalyst for taking the platform to a global market.
The successful funding round underscores investor confidence in Drumbeat’s innovative approach to PR and its potential for significant market impact. Hurman concludes by inviting interested brands to connect for a demonstration, indicating Barney Chunn as the primary contact or suggesting direct outreach to himself for an introduction.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by James Hurman on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 4, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →