Some thoughts on how can you get in front of investors when you're not well connected?
1) Build a list. A LONG list. Here are some great links to help you build a list:
Samir Kaji & @firstrepublic startup team's list of microfunds: medium.com/@Samirkaji/a-l…
1) Build a list. A LONG list. Here are some great links to help you build a list:
Samir Kaji & @firstrepublic startup team's list of microfunds: medium.com/@Samirkaji/a-l…
2) (cont) @lolitataub made a great list of female early stage funders here: airtable.com/shrzWIHSoK0gvE…
3) (cont) @NFX built an entire free platform around helping entrepreneurs find investors who are a good match here: signal.nfx.com/vc_lists
4) (cont) And of course, @AngelList and @crunchbase continue to be useful directors.
Also check Twitter for lists of investors that other ppl have made. No shortage of investors to pitch.
But it does take time and effort to build a list.
Also check Twitter for lists of investors that other ppl have made. No shortage of investors to pitch.
But it does take time and effort to build a list.
5) Next: strategy. Here's a very rough talk I did on how to get connected to angel investors when you're not well connected. Same approach applies to VCs:
6) (strategy cont..) What I didn't mention are other great ways to get in front of investors *online*:
A) Do an online event or podcast and invite investors (angels or VCs). Ppl love to be famous - that's your hook to get in front of investors remotely!
A) Do an online event or podcast and invite investors (angels or VCs). Ppl love to be famous - that's your hook to get in front of investors remotely!
7) (online strategy cont...)
B) The other thing you can do is have conversations w/ investors on Twitter & build relationships here. VCs spend an inordinate amount of time on this platform & often respond to qs and comments.
B) The other thing you can do is have conversations w/ investors on Twitter & build relationships here. VCs spend an inordinate amount of time on this platform & often respond to qs and comments.
8) Outreach: Good cold-emailing in today's world works. Some thoughts on writing a good cold-email:
9) Lastly: relentless & polite follow up really does work. We followed up with one of our investors in our fund @HustleFundVC with *13 emails* before we heard a response. No response is not a no. Ppl are busy, may miss your email, or something may have gotten lost. Don't be shy.
