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How to get to a VC as a founder if you do not have a network connection:
(That some VCs do not take or seriously consider direct outreach is outrageous on several levels, and I'm currently working on something here, but for now, emailing most VCs directly is not your best in)
(That some VCs do not take or seriously consider direct outreach is outrageous on several levels, and I'm currently working on something here, but for now, emailing most VCs directly is not your best in)
1. Find their online life and become a part of it
This is a slow burn, ideally over months at least, in which you are making your name both familiar and associated with thoughtful takes. This is * very * much about quality and not about quantity.
This is a slow burn, ideally over months at least, in which you are making your name both familiar and associated with thoughtful takes. This is * very * much about quality and not about quantity.
I find the best way to separate yourself here is doing the work. Don't just spout off some clever nonsense, everyone does that. Dig up a hard-to-find resource relevant to the topic, or aggregate a bunch of providers and review them in reply to a post on an emerging space, etc.
Most folks seem to default to Twitter here, though I have found commenting on someone's blog, if one exists, is the best channel (old posts particularly, shows you went deep on their content).
If the take is thoughtful and researched, they'll notice. Do that 2 to 3x, you're in.
If the take is thoughtful and researched, they'll notice. Do that 2 to 3x, you're in.
2. Develop a network connection to them thru someone easier to get to
IMO the best (and underutilized) hack here is getting to a CEO that the investor has backed.
First, you only have to get one CEO to agree to make an intro and a VC may have dozens of investments.
IMO the best (and underutilized) hack here is getting to a CEO that the investor has backed.
First, you only have to get one CEO to agree to make an intro and a VC may have dozens of investments.
Second, (almost all) CEOs have dealt with trying to get to a VC who feels like a great fit but they have no connection to; which is to say, founders generally empathize with a fellow founder's fundraise.
Third, it's a perhaps the highest quality channel to come in through.
Third, it's a perhaps the highest quality channel to come in through.
Fourth, founders generally are not overwhelmed by these types of requests (unless this post goes really viral ; )
Tactically, I strongly recommend asking for a 30 min mtg with the founder. My willingness to make an intro and how much I can vouch can change enormously in 30 mins.
Tactically, I strongly recommend asking for a 30 min mtg with the founder. My willingness to make an intro and how much I can vouch can change enormously in 30 mins.
Both of these tactics are labor intensive, so I recommend figuring out the best 20-30 LEAD investors (not firms, people) and stretching this work across the year before you raise.
Done well though, you'll have hacked this broken VC intro dynamic, until we can change it : )
Done well though, you'll have hacked this broken VC intro dynamic, until we can change it : )
