How can you network effectively with investors who have a specific investment thesis?

As an investor, and also an entrepreneur who raised some, 1- homework, do the work and spend the time to align to investors model 2- Conduct some research on the investors (the persons) and identify who is the go-to person(s) 3- speak their language, show proficiency in the space, tailor the content to their model - based sales! 4. Develop a playbook for different thesis - market, revenue, IP, Cap gain, strategy, portfolio fit..etc 5. Spray and pray will not work - focus and good luck!! 4- do not bait and switch. Their model is their model, and convincing otherwise is not happening.

2024 is the year of specialist VCs. There are more hyper-specialized VCs now than ever. This means it's easier to find VCs in a specific niche. Besides the advice here on the left, you can use the reverse process of listing leading startups in the niche you want to research, list their investors, and identify the investors that are most represented among those companies.

To network effectively with investors in venture capital with specific investment theses: 1. Research their focus areas thoroughly. 2. Attend relevant industry events. 3. Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn and AngelList. 4. Seek warm introductions where possible. 5. Tailor your pitch to align with their interests. 6. Focus on building genuine relationships. 7. Be persistent yet respectful in your follow-ups. 8. Provide evidence of traction and proof of concept. 9. Seek feedback to improve your approach. 10. Stay informed about industry trends and adapt accordingly.

Dumb advice. The time one spends researching investors could be spend in making a better product or PA so they will come instead. And when they come the startup has the upper hand

To network with targeted investors: Understand their portfolio, focus, and investment stage preference. Craft personalized messages highlighting alignment with their thesis. Offer value beyond funding, like relevant connections or insights. Seek warm introductions from trusted individuals. Showcase how your venture perfectly fits their investment criteria.

When I approached target investors for my startup, personalization was key. I avoided generic emails, focusing instead on crafting messages that resonated with each investor's unique investment thesis and value proposition. This meant doing thorough research on each potential investor to understand their interests and portfolio alignment. My emails were concise yet impactful, highlighting why my startup was a good fit for their portfolio and how it could contribute to their vision. I always included a clear call to action, like requesting a meeting or feedback, making it easy for them to engage. This personalized approach significantly improved my response rate and helped establish meaningful connections with investors.

What about what NOT to do for a change? If you know ur startup scope is not within their thesis, don't bark up the wrong tree. Don't target blindly without finding the thesis Even if they are agnostic, check which stage they are inclined to, look at their current portfolio which is normally visible on their website to see what kinds of startups they gravitate to. If someone is kind enough to respond rejecting you, do not ask them to refer you to someone else. Why should they? They don't know you. How do they vouch for you? Unless they offered out of a good heart.

"how you can add value to their vision". This I believe is key. Potential LPs are contacted by literally hundreds of funds a year, and I'm guessing that we all promise similar returns with most funds being run by strong teams. Other than internal processes (co-investment, the transparency of reporting, community etc.) and fee structures, only two things can therefore really help to distinguish between funds: 1) Credibility - As I'm assuming each fund has similarly strong teams, then this comes down to the personal history of each team member with each potential LP, and the track record of the fund's team (obviously not possible in the case of emerging managers such as ourselves at Eoniq.fund). 2) Shared vision - Strategic, impact, values..

Reaching out to potential investors with a tailored message is crucial for making a strong impression. A generic approach is unlikely to resonate with investors who receive numerous pitches. Instead, personalize your message to show that you understand their investment thesis and how your opportunity aligns with their interests. Highlighting your unique value proposition and the potential for mutual benefit can increase your chances of securing a meeting or further discussion. Be clear, concise, and respectful of their time, and don't forget to include a specific call to action to prompt their response.

é crucial que, ao entrar em contato com investidores com uma tese de investimento específica, você aborde-os de forma personalizada e relevante. Evite mensagens genéricas e spam, pois isso demonstra falta de considera??o pela tese de investimento deles. Em vez disso, envie uma mensagem que mostre que você entende e valoriza a abordagem deles e explique claramente como sua proposta se alinha com essa tese. Também é importante incluir uma chamada à a??o clara, como solicitar uma reuni?o ou feedback, para incentivar uma resposta ativa.

Some of the companies we have ended up investing in kept us on their monthly investor newsletter after we first met them. This helped us to regularly keep a pulse on the company and built deeper conviction on the market opportunity and the team's ability to execute over time.

"Networking is all about the long game." This simple truth reminds us that real connections with investors take time to build. I focus on adding real value—sharing useful insights, solving a problem, or making a meaningful introduction. It’s my way of showing I'm in it for more than just my own benefit. Trust is key. Being honest about my startup's journey, sticking to my word, and showing up consistently lays the groundwork for trust. The aim? To become a trusted, valued part of their network, turning quick meetings into lasting relationships. It’s about patience, authenticity, and the slow but rewarding build of genuine partnerships.

Networking in the venture capital sphere is a continuous journey, centered on fostering relationships built on value and trust with your target investors. This involves consistent engagement - following up, sharing progress updates, seeking advice, offering assistance, and expressing gratitude. Respect their time, be transparent about your challenges, and be receptive to feedback. Your goal is to solidify your reputation as a credible, reliable founder who can not only realize your vision but also deliver tangible results. Spread Shark Love #divineintervention #gabenfreude

Leveraging your existing network and referrals is crucial when connecting with investors of a specific investment thesis. Engage your mentors, advisors, peers, customers, or fellow investors for introductions. Participate in industry events, webinars, competitions, or programs related to your sector or stage. These avenues provide opportunities to present your startup, encounter potential investors, and secure warm introductions, effectively expanding your network within the targeted investment community. Spread Shark Love #divineintervention #gabenfreude

Reaching out through your network for referrals can really make a difference in connecting with the right investors. Tap into the people who already understand and support your startup. These people aren't just contacts; they're your advocates. When they introduce you, it comes with a level of trust and warmth that cold outreach just can't match. Keep them updated on your journey so they can match you with investors who genuinely align with your mission. Leveraging these trusted connections has proven time and again to be an effective way to find investors who truly resonate with your startup's vision.

In the arena of venture capitalism, when the opportune moment to engage target investors emerges, the quintessence of your pitch must be impeccably aligned with their investment thesis. Illustrate, with eloquence and precision, how your startup seamlessly integrates into their portfolio mosaic, addressing the problems that ignite their fervor, and how your unique approach distinguishes you in a sea of competitors. Accentuate the pillars of your venture - traction, team, and forward-looking vision - ensuring they harmonize with the investor's aspirations and expectations, crafting a narrative that not only informs but captivates, laying the groundwork for a prosperous partnership. Spread Shark Love #divineintervention #gabenfreude

Take Tesla's start. Elon Musk didn’t just pitch cars; he pitched a greener future. He reached investors who cared about more than just returns—they wanted to make a difference. Shape your pitch to echo your investors' passions. It's not about tweaking a presentation; it's about telling a story they want to be part of. Before I pitch, I figure out what drives my potential investors. Then, I align my startup’s vision with theirs, showing how backing us is a step towards the future they desire. This makes the pitch a shared journey toward a common dream. It’s about convincing investors that they’re not just putting money into a business, but into a cause they're passionate about.

Within venture capital every investor has a specific investment thesis, whether it be technology, sector, geography, stage, ticket size, impact, network effects.. The first thing that you should do to is target those investors whose thesis your startup fits. Apart from anything else, if not you will be wasting their time, and yours. Every day I have to say no to multiple founders due to their not fitting our investment thesis, honestly it normally just comes across as sloppy work by the founder. Make checking your fit with an investor's thesis the first thing that you do, and you will network more effectively, raise money more effectively, and suffer less rejections from VC investors at the same time. That's a win-win-win!! ;-)

Networking with focused investors can be daunting but it's really about making genuine connections. See each chat as a chance to learn and share, not just pitch my idea. I tune into their interests and bring up relevant bits from my startup's journey. Keep them thoughtful, like sharing an article we talked about or a quick update on something they were curious about. It’s about keeping the conversation going, not spamming them. This way, networking becomes less about seeking funds and more about building lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. It’s these connections that often lead to valuable advice and, sometimes, the right investment.

Investment thesis do change. Moreover, most investors won't properly lay all the facts and/or their reasoning into their investment preferences. As a startup, when investors interact with you, they do usually tend to have a singl objective in mind though : market research , awareness building, investment or building their pipeline for future opportunities. Try identify their objective early into the discussion. Have some trully original insights (backed by your own reasearch and data wherever possible). Be ready to discuss the investors' recent evolution and their most recent challenges. If you then want or plan to proceed with the particular investor, the most important outcome is to agree on a clear time horizon for the next meeting.

Choosing the right first investor is vital for a project, as this lead investor significantly influences subsequent funding. Their reputation and commitment can attract other investors, validate the project's potential, and reduce perceived risks. Securing a respected lead investor is a strategic move that can catalyze the project success.