How do you connect with investors and mentors?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start looking for potential investors and mentors, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with their help. Do you need feedback on your product, market, or business model? Do you need guidance on how to scale, pivot, or exit your startup? Do you need funding to validate, launch, or grow your startup? Having specific and realistic goals will help you narrow down your search and craft your pitch accordingly.

2 Research your options

Once you have defined your goals, you need to research the different types of investors and mentors that are relevant and suitable for your startup. For investors, you can look at angel investors, venture capitalists, crowdfunding platforms, accelerators, incubators, or grants, depending on your stage, industry, and funding needs. For mentors, you can look at successful entrepreneurs, industry experts, advisors, coaches, or peers, depending on your challenges, skills, and interests. You can use online platforms, databases, networks, events, or referrals to find and learn more about your options.

3 Build relationships

After you have identified some potential investors and mentors, you need to build relationships with them before you ask for anything. You can start by following them on social media, reading their blogs or newsletters, commenting on their posts, or attending their webinars or podcasts. You can also reach out to them via email, LinkedIn, or Twitter, but make sure you have a valid reason, such as asking a relevant question, sharing a valuable insight, or offering a genuine compliment. You can also ask for an introduction from someone who knows them well, but make sure you have their permission and a clear value proposition.

4 Pitch your startup

When you have established some rapport and trust with your potential investors and mentors, you can pitch your startup to them and ask for their support. You can do this via email, phone, video call, or in-person meeting, depending on the situation and preference. You need to have a concise and compelling pitch that explains your problem, solution, market, traction, team, and ask. You also need to be prepared to answer questions, handle objections, and provide evidence. You need to show your passion, confidence, and credibility, but also be humble, respectful, and open to feedback.

5 Follow up and maintain contact

After you have pitched your startup to your potential investors and mentors, you need to follow up and maintain contact with them until you get a response or a decision. You can send a thank-you note, a reminder, an update, or a request for feedback, depending on the situation and timing. You need to be persistent but not annoying, polite but not desperate, and professional but not formal. You also need to respect their time and availability, and be ready to accept rejection or negotiation.

6 Leverage your network

Finally, you need to leverage your network to connect with more investors and mentors, and to strengthen your existing relationships. You can ask for referrals, recommendations, testimonials, or introductions from your current investors and mentors, or from other founders, customers, partners, or friends who know them. You can also attend events, join communities, or participate in programs that are relevant and valuable for your startup. You can also offer your help, advice, or feedback to others who are in a similar or complementary situation, and create a positive reputation and goodwill.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?