Hey there,
Have you ever walked out of an investor meeting feeling like you just wasted precious hours of your startup journey?
Well - you are definitely not alone.
The other day, I was at an investment panel when one of the seasoned investors dropped a truth that hit home.
She pointed out how surprisingly few startups do their homework on finding their ideal investor match.
While investors are paid to take meetings, founders are burning through their limited runway with every misaligned conversation.
It's time to get strategic about who you pitch to.
Here's how you can get it done:
Find Your Perfect Investor Match
Key Indicators of an Ideal Investor Match
-
Investment Focus - They actively invest in your industry or adjacent spaces
-
Check Size Alignment - Their typical investment range matches your funding needs
-
Stage Compatibility - They invest in companies at your current development stage
-
Geographic Reach - They operate in your market or desired expansion regions
-
Value-Add Beyond Money - Their expertise and network complement your needs
Essential Due Diligence Steps
-
Research their current portfolio and look for complementary (not competitive) companies
-
Check their recent investment history (last 2-3 years) to confirm they're still active in your space
-
Verify their fund lifecycle - make sure they still have dry powder for new investments
-
Analyze their board participation patterns and post-investment involvement
- Review their public statements and content to understand their investment thesis
How to Do Your Research
-
Study their website, particularly their portfolio and investment criteria sections
-
Use platforms like Crunchbase, PitchBook, or CB Insights to track their investment patterns
-
Follow their social media and blog posts to understand their thinking
-
Network with portfolio company founders to get insider insights
Pro Tip
Before reaching out, try to get a warm introduction through a mutual connection. According to research, warm introductions have a 13x higher success rate in securing first meetings compared to cold outreach.
Key Takeaway
Your time is your most precious resource as a founder.
By carefully selecting potential investors based on clear criteria, you'll significantly increase your chances of successful fundraising while preserving your runway.
That’s all for now! See you next week!
P.S. Found this helpful? Forward it to a fellow founder who's planning their fundraising journey! Want more startup insights? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whenever you're ready - here is how I can help you.
1. My Weekly Newsletter - Subscribe to my newsletter and receive exclusive tips, strategies and resources to craft, develop, and perfect your pitch.
2. Deep-dive Digital Courses - Self-paced courses teaching you the essential tools and skills you need to create and deliver a fantastic pitch so you can go from “I do not know what to say” to “when can I pitch next?
3. Speaking Engagements - I have done in-person and virtual speaking engagements at a number of companies, conferences, and private events covering a variety of topics.
4. 1:1 Coaching - Due to limited time, I only work with a handful of clients each year. If you're interested, click to apply.