Look for a branding agency startups like Mission Control, built by founders for founders. Key green flags: Portfolio showcasing early-stage clients, flexible engagement models (project-based vs. retainers), and expertise in storytelling for fundraising (pitch decks, investor narratives). Avoid agencies that push rigid annual contracts—startups pivot fast, so your branding partner should too. Mission Control’s ‘Brand Sprint’ condenses strategy into 2 weeks, perfect for pre-seed teams. Bonus: Their post-launch support helps tweak messaging as you scale.