Every founder knows that if they want to accelerate their startup’s growth, securing financing is essential.Â
Now, how do you that? That part is not so simple.
Just researching what VC could be a perfect fit for your business and sending them your pitch simply won't cut it. Many investors prefer and insist on warm introductions. Here are some ideas on how to get them.
‍
Leverage your network
Obviously, the first thing is to start with what you already have, searching among your own network of contacts. Research potential VCs who might be interested in your type of business or who have backed similar startups before. Find out where they are from, where they studied or where they have worked.
Then, go through them one by one, think about which person you already know might have met one of them, and ask them to give you an introduction.
‍
Leveraging LinkedIn to get intros will take longer, but it can be very effective. Use LinkedIn’s advanced search features to identify VCs who have invested in startups similar to yours. Then, look for mutual connections who can facilitate introductions. You should also be actively engaging with your connections by liking, commenting on, and sharing their posts. This genuine interaction helps you stay top-of-mind and fosters stronger relationships, which can lead to introductions down the line.
If you have established a good relationship with someone in your network who knows a VC, don’t hesitate to ask for an introduction. Be clear about why you want to connect and how it could be beneficial for both parties.
‍
Online communities
Places like Discord, Reddit, or even Slack, have special communities for startups where you can get advice from those who've been there, find inspiration, share your digital business card, and upskill yourself via valuable content or by attending events. As with LinkedIn, it will take longer to get a warm intro, but it’s definitely worth a shot.Â
‍
Events
​​Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to meet potential investors. These are great opportunities to connect with potential investors in person and to establish relationships with other entrepreneurs who can facilitate introductions. Be strategic about it.
Identify all the events happening near your location and choose the ones that are most relevant to your niche. Some of these events may require travel and accommodation, but the potential outcomes can make it worthwhile.
‍
BaseTemplates Pro
This platform not only provides founders with access to a comprehensive database of over 55,000 investors, including venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators, but it also helps you get “In-Network Introductions.”
Founders can leverage these relationships to facilitate intros to investors who are more likely to engage due to existing connections.
You can also use its AI-powered outreach sequences via email and LinkedIn, making it easier to initiate contact with potential investors. These tools help streamline the reach-out process, increasing the chances of receiving a response.
‍
Best practices for requesting introductions
- Be specific: Explain why you want to connect with a particular investor.
- Provide value: Be clear on how the introduction could benefit both parties.
- Make it easy: Offer a brief, compelling summary of your startup that the introducer can easily forward.
- Be patient: Building relationships takes time. Don't rush or pressure your contacts.
- Be thankful: Always thank people for their time, regardless of the outcome.
‍
By implementing these strategies and maintaining a patient, value-focused mindset, you can significantly improve your chances of connecting with the right investors for your startup.
‍
