How can you build relationships with your local tech community to boost fundraising?

1 Identify your target audience

Before you start reaching out to potential funders, you need to do some research and identify who are the most relevant and interested in your business idea. You can use online platforms like Crunchbase, AngelList, or LinkedIn to find out who are the active investors, mentors, or founders in your area, what are their areas of expertise, and what kind of startups they have backed before. You can also look for local events, meetups, or newsletters that cater to the tech scene and see who are the speakers, organizers, or attendees.

2 Engage with them online

Once you have a list of prospects, you can start engaging with them online. You can follow them on social media, comment on their posts, share their content, or join their groups. You can also send them a personalized email or message, introducing yourself and your business, and expressing your interest in learning from them or getting their feedback. You can also ask them for referrals, introductions, or recommendations to other people in their network who might be interested in your business.

3 Attend local events

Another way to build relationships with your local tech community is to attend local events that are relevant to your industry, niche, or stage. You can look for events like pitch competitions, demo days, hackathons, workshops, or panels that showcase local startups, investors, or experts. You can also volunteer, sponsor, or speak at these events to increase your visibility and credibility. When you attend these events, make sure to network with the people you want to connect with, exchange contact information, and follow up with them after the event.

4 Offer value and support

One of the most important things to remember when building relationships with your local tech community is to offer value and support, not just ask for money. You can do this by sharing your insights, expertise, or resources with them, helping them solve their problems or challenges, or introducing them to other people who can help them. You can also support their initiatives, projects, or causes by giving feedback, testimonials, or referrals. By doing this, you will show that you are genuinely interested in them and their success, not just in getting funded.

5 Build trust and credibility

Finally, you need to build trust and credibility with your local tech community, especially if you want them to invest in your business. You can do this by being consistent, transparent, and professional in your communication and actions. You can also showcase your achievements, milestones, or traction by updating them regularly on your progress, challenges, or learnings. You can also ask them for advice, feedback, or guidance on how to improve your business, product, or pitch. By doing this, you will demonstrate that you are serious, committed, and capable of delivering value and results.