5min
Module 1: The Funding Landscape
Module 2: The Pre-Seed and Seed Stage
Module 3: The Series A Stage
Module 4: Later Stage Funding (Series B and Beyond)
Module 5: The Fundraising Process
14/16 Lessons
Content
Connecting with an investor is a bit like a job interview and a first date rolled into one. The goal is to make a great impression and get to the next step.
1. The Outreach Email: The First Impression
The vast majority of successful investor meetings begin with a warm introduction from a mutual connection. A cold email is possible, but an introduction from a trusted source will dramatically increase your chances of a response.
A great outreach email should be:
Concise: Respect their time. Keep it to a few short paragraphs.
Compelling: Get to the point quickly and highlight why they should be interested.
Personalized: Reference a specific investment they made or a blog post they wrote to show you did your research.
*While a great email increases your chances, getting a response is never guaranteed. The true goal of this outreach is to start a conversation and build a relationship. Even a "no" today can turn into a "yes" years down the road if you've made a positive, memorable impression.
2. The First Meeting: A Two-Way Street
The purpose of the first meeting is not to get a check. It is to build rapport, learn about each other, and decide if a deeper conversation is warranted. This is a human interaction, not a transaction.
Prepare:
Know your numbers, your story, and your vision inside and out.
Listen:
The best meetings are a conversation, not a one-way pitch. Listen to the investor's questions and their feedback.
Be Human:
Be open to simply grabbing a cup of coffee to get to know the person behind the title. Showing that you're a person they'd want to work with can be as important as showing them a great business plan.
3. The Golden Rule: Be Honest and Transparent
Fundraising is built on trust, and trust is built on honesty. It is a fact that during "due diligence", investors will verify every single claim you make.
Exaggeration is dangerous:
If you're caught in a lie, no matter how small, it will immediately end the conversation and severely damage your reputation within the investor community.
Discuss challenges openly:
Being transparent about your risks, competition, and what you haven't figured out yet shows maturity and gives investors confidence that you can handle adversity. Investors aren't looking for a perfect business; they're looking for a founder who can navigate real-world problems.
4. Managing the Process: The Follow-Up
Your professionalism doesn't end when the meeting does. Managing the process effectively shows that you are organized and serious.
Follow Up:
Send a concise follow-up email within 24 hours of the meeting. Thank them for their time and reiterate your key points.
Set Next Steps:
End every meeting by establishing clear expectations. Who will do what next? When will you follow up?
