Have you struck out with cold messages to VC’s? Here’s how to use your existing investors to get dozens of warm intros…

Start With Your Existing Investors

The easiest way to meet new investors is through your existing ones.

They believe in you. They want to see you raise more money so you can get to a big exit. And they know other investors.

Ask each of them:

“Can you introduce me to three more investors that think like you do?”

Phrasing the question this way flatters your investor a little. They see what others can’t. 

To quote one of my favorite movies, Reversal of Fortune:

“Does that work?”
“Flattery? Absolutely.”

Four Investors for the Price of One

When a new investor commits, use the same tactic. Ask for three intros.

A single new investor can bring in many more. 

Freshpaint, a YC startup, got a $5k check from an angel during their seed raise. That angel introduced them to other investors who put in a total of $700k!

Make Intros Easy

Make it easy for your investors to make the intro. Give them a forwardable blurb and include a PDF of your deck.

The blurb should be brief. Aim for 75 words or less. 

Give us the Big 3: Vision, Team and Traction. Here’s an example:

“I’m Travis and I’m building UberCab. UberCab lets you order a black car with your smartphone.

We have 5 cars on the road and have done over 500 rides.

We plan to expand beyond black cars to take on the entire taxi market. 

I sold my last startup, Red Swoosh, for $19 million. I’m raising a seed round for UberCab and would love to tell you about it.”

Wrap-Up

You’re far more likely to get a check if you have a warm intro. If you use your existing investors, you can get dozens of them. 

You don’t need to rely on cold messages alone. Your investors are there, waiting to help you.

But you have to ask!

More on tech: 

Small Investors Lead to Big Investors

The Big 3: Vision, Team and Traction

Why You Should Send an Investor Update

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