Note: This step should be

$500k. This makes the space look tighter and creates more of a time constraint for investors to jump at the opportunity. I’ve seen founders do this well beyond the early stages and into growth rounds. Once you have $500k committed, you can say you’re

benefits, but you can build on the relationship without letting them on your cap table! Revealing too early that you’re fundraising This is another all-too-common

SAFEs or Notes

are completely misaligned! You may have heard success stories, but that’s a sampling bias — you’ll rarely hear about the companies

Of course, if you find a unicorn investor with an excellent brand and an excellent connection, go for it! But in all cases, prioritize the connection, vibe, and energy. Your partnership with them is more powerful and important than their fame. You should

For #2, when you reach out to founders, ask for a ten-minute call and stick to that. Always start the call with some quick context (1-2 mins) on what you do. Hi Reference , Great to meet via email. We're in discussions with Investor about an investment opportunity at MyCo , and she said you would be a good person to talk to as a reference. Do you

Following these steps will reliably create the best outcomes. Skipping steps introduces risk. Let’s take a closer look at each step: Step 1:

existed thus far, and why I would be able to pull it off. The most important pitch isn’t a polished one, it’s a casual one. Remember, you’re ideally not going through a deck. You’re setting up casual meet-and-greets with investors. At some point in the conversation, they’ll ask you what you do (that’s their job!). Here, you have to absolutely knock