LinkedIn’s Top Startups 2024 list reveals a common theme: marketing matters. Many of the top 50 companies attribute their early success to a strong marketing program, with key roles dedicated to branding, digital strategy, and customer engagement right from the start.

Too often, small or midsize brands—especially in highly competitive sectors like food and beverage—lean heavily into sales first, waiting for “extra budget” to invest in marketing. But the results are clear: marketing-led startups scale faster, achieving sustained top-line growth compared with those that prioritize sales alone.

Take Happy Dad Seltzer, for example. Despite competing in one of the most crowded beverage categories, they leaned into disruptive marketing early on and today are thriving as a result. Their success wasn’t just about a cool sales tactic—it was about constructing a brand, culture, and community built upon savvy marketing.

So, for those in food, sports, software, or healthcare: marketing isn’t just a cost center. It’s a growth driver.

👉 If you’re curious about how to unlock growth with the right marketing strategy, let’s connect!