Make a founder or executive the named authority their category and AI engines both recognise. Not a generic thought leadership programme, but a positioning system that earns citations in Forbes, CoinDesk, Decrypt and the AI engines that now shape buyer perception before any human search.
A fractional senior operator builds founder authority for $5K–$12K/month by combining op-ed placement, journalist introductions and AI-engine citation strategy. Shilika Jain has profiled 50+ Web3 and AI founders and secured placements in Forbes, CoinDesk, Decrypt, Blockworks and six APAC markets, turning unknown builders into category-defining names their peers and investors recognise.
As featured in
"I don't pitch products. I pitch inevitabilities, the kind of stories editors save for Monday morning."
Why this page exists
When a VC partner, a potential co-founder or a BD lead wants to know who the credible voice in a category is, more and more of them ask ChatGPT, Perplexity or Google's AI Mode first. The engine does not read your bio page. It looks for the name that appears in tier-1 outlets, op-eds and cited articles, with a clear and consistent point of view. This page is built to be the answer, and the work behind it is built to make your name the answer in your category.
The advantages
A clear, repeatable point of view that makes you the first name journalists, investors and AI engines attach to your category, not a generic "thought leader".
Opinion pieces in Forbes, CoinDesk, Decrypt and Cointelegraph under your byline, pitched directly to editors who already know the work.
Structured authority signals so ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google AI Mode cite you by name when buyers query your category, not just surface your homepage.
Direct introductions to the reporters who cover your beat, so your perspective shapes stories rather than appearing in a quote at the bottom of someone else's article.
Booked appearances on category-relevant podcasts with briefing notes, a crisp narrative and follow-up recirculation to amplify each session. Gaia AI ran a 6-podcast tour in one quarter.
$5K–$12K/month versus $15K–$45K agency retainers because the senior operator who builds your profile is the same person you speak to, with no account-team markup in between.
How it runs
A read of your current press footprint, your existing POV and the one story worth owning in your category.
The category word, the repeatable thesis, the op-ed angles and the journalist map for your beat.
First byline pitched, first journalist introductions made, podcast brief written, AI-citation signals structured.
Sustained placements, citation tracking and quarterly narrative refreshes so the position compounds rather than fades.
The proof
Founder positioning in practice: Gaia AI was framed as "the Stripe for AI agents" and placed in Forbes, Decrypt and Benzinga, then amplified across a 6-podcast tour. Fluence founder Tom Trowbridge placed a CoinDesk Opinion that made DePIN a tier-1 editorial beat. MANTRA Chain was positioned around the Middle East RWA angle, securing a CoinDesk exclusive on an $11M raise that would otherwise have been a generic funding note. Web3Auth built executive credibility across the Google Cloud and Firebase developer audience. None of it came from a content calendar.
Keep reading
A step-by-step guide to category positioning, op-ed pitching and AI-engine citation for founders.
Read →How AI founders build authority with journalists, investors and AI engines simultaneously.
Read →The full scope: positioning audit, byline strategy, op-ed placement and AI-citation structuring.
See the service →How a fractional senior operator compares to a thought leadership agency for Web3 and AI founders.
Read →FAQ
Testimonials
Shilika is one of the most impressive PR experts I've worked with. She deeply understands her clients, knows how to craft narratives that genuinely land, and brings a rare mix of strategic thinking and relentless execution. She's built strong relationships with top journalists and publications around the world, which gives her a real edge when it comes to getting stories placed.
I highly recommend Shilika for anyone needing PR support in Web3. What sets her apart is a deep, genuine understanding of blockchain, not just the buzzwords. Her network is outstanding: outlets that once felt out of reach became regular coverage, both in crypto and mainstream tech media. If you're in Web3 and want PR that actually delivers, Shilika is the one to call.
Work with Shilika
Two ways in. Send the intent form and I reply within 24 hours with a quick read on your current press footprint, or book a 30-minute call and we map the authority gaps live.