What Allie Garfinkle Wants You to Know: Inside the Mind of a Fortune Finance Reporter
By 829 Studios
Covering everything from AI deals and IPO volatility to fintech and federal policy, Fortune’s Allie Garfinkle has her finger on the pulse of private markets. As the voice behind the daily Term Sheet newsletter, she’s helping define what business leaders and investors care about most—while adding a surprising dose of pop culture references and self-aware storytelling to the financial reporting space.
In her recent Briefing Notes interview with SBS Comms, Garfinkle opened up about her approach to journalism, the media shifts she’s tracking, and what PR teams need to understand about pitching in a crowded inbox. Here’s what stood out—and what communications teams can take away from her perspective.
A Media Market in Motion
Despite the tech sector’s uneven IPO activity and increased regulatory scrutiny, funding in AI continues to accelerate, with companies like Cognition drawing capital at a rapid clip—even amid product concerns. And yet, the divergence between strong public markets and a cautious private exit environment remains baffling, even to industry veterans.
For marketers and founders, this means timing is everything, but clarity is critical. Amid mixed signals, the voices that cut through are those that understand both the macroeconomic landscape and how to tell a story that matters.
How to Work With a Finance Reporter Who’s Seen It All
Garfield’s advice to PR pros is refreshingly honest:
- She’s behind on email (who isn’t?) so short, bulleted messages are best.
- If something is urgent and time-sensitive, reach out with respect. But don’t follow up four times if you haven’t heard back.
- Most importantly, she values relationships over pitches. Get to know the people behind the story, not just the headline.
At a time when transactional pitching is everywhere, this reminder reinforces the value of long-term, trust-based media relationships.
Lessons from Leading Term Sheet
Since joining Fortune, Garfinkle has made it a priority to balance editorial focus with flexibility. Writing a daily newsletter means staying agile. One day she’s reporting on thermal battery startups, the next she’s unpacking macro policy shifts or profiling an emerging VC.
She’s also made the column her own, infusing it with cultural references like Stephen Sondheim, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hammurabi’s Code. She adds a human, reflective tone that’s far from formulaic financial writing.
For brand communicators, this is a lesson in style. Distinctive voice and smart perspective win attention, even in data-heavy sectors like finance.
What She’s Reading (and Why It Matters)
True to form, Garfinkle is reading across genres—from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to The Price of Time, a book on economic theory. She just wrapped The Fund, Rob Copeland’s deep dive into Ray Dalio and Bridgewater.
Why should PR teams care? Because good reporters are well-read, curious, and constantly drawing unexpected connections. If you’re pitching, bring insight, context, and color, not just company updates.
Key Takeaways for PR and Comms Teams
- Don’t just pitch what’s new—pitch what’s meaningful.
Understand the macro themes journalists are covering and tie your message to them. - Help them tell a story—don’t just hand over a press release.
Garfinkle is looking for depth, nuance, and strong characters. - A little personality goes a long way.
Whether it’s in your pitch, founder narrative, or newsletter copy, voice is what cuts through clutter.
In a media landscape full of fast takes and fleeting coverage, Allie Garfinkle is proof that financial journalism still has room for storytelling, soul, and sharp perspective. Whether you’re pitching reporters or building your own newsletter, take a page from her playbook. Stay human, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to surprise your audience.
Looking to elevate your media relations or build a smart editorial strategy that earns attention? 829 Studios helps brands craft stories that matter to the outlets and audiences that count. Let’s talk.
