RFP Template (Agency Engagement)
for Series A startups.
A request-for-proposal template founders can send to agencies — written by an agency. Adjusted for funded startups looking for senior craft over cheap labor.
Get the templateWhat's included
- Company background
- Project goals
- Audience
- Deliverables
- Budget range
- Timeline
- Evaluation criteria
Why this version
Adjusted for funded startups looking for senior craft over cheap labor.
We get bad RFPs weekly. This is the version we wish people sent.
How Series A startups use this template.
For Series A startups, RFPs should focus on senior-craft-over-cheap-labor framing. The right agencies are picky about who they take on — your RFP should communicate that you're a serious counterparty (clear scope, real budget, mature decision-making). Avoid agency-evaluation criteria like "lowest bid wins" — top studios won't engage. Include must-have criteria: senior-only team, fixed-fee, in-writing process, weekly demos.
Series A startups-specific gotchas
- Don't lead with budget — lead with scope
- Senior-only requirement filters out body-shops
- Fixed-fee preference signals you're a real counterparty
- Weekly demos requirement signals you want collaborative process
- Don't require a free pitch deck — top studios won't do it
A Series A startup sends RFPs to 5 studios. The clarity of the brief filters out two; three respond with thoughtful proposals. The startup picks based on demonstrated thinking, not lowest bid.
Common Series A startups questions
How long should the RFP be?
Under 5 pages. Include scope, decision criteria, timeline.
Should we include reference checks in the RFP?
Mention you'll do them; don't require references in the response itself.
Templates are starts.
If you want senior practitioners filling in this template for a specific Series A startups engagement, brief us.
Brief us