Cold Reachout to Investors for Pre-Seed and Seed Rounds

When you're raising pre-seed or seed capital, cold outreach can be an effective way to get on an investor's radar, especially if you don’t have a warm introduction. However, at these early stages, it's important to focus on the fundamentals: the problem you're solving, your progress, and your vision for growth. This guide will help you craft the perfect cold outreach strategy specifically for pre-seed and seed funding rounds, without mentioning specific numbers or valuations.

Why Cold Outreach Matters for Pre-Seed and Seed Rounds

At the pre-seed and seed stages, many founders don’t have extensive networks or personal connections with investors, making cold outreach a necessary tool. The goal is to spark interest in your business and secure a meeting where you can discuss your startup in greater detail.

For early-stage investors, your potential, your traction (even if it's small), and your understanding of the problem you're solving are key. Cold outreach allows you to introduce these elements in a concise and compelling way.

 Key Elements of a Pre-Seed/Seed Cold Email

When reaching out to investors at these early stages, your email should emphasize three main things: your problem, your progress, and your vision. The aim is to highlight your startup’s potential and give investors a reason to believe in your vision.

a. Subject Line

Your subject line should be enticing and relevant to your startup’s focus. Make it clear that you're working on something that aligns with the investor's interests.

Examples:

• “Pre-seed SaaS startup: Solving X for [target market]”

• “Early-stage marketplace growing rapidly – Would love to connect”

• “Building [Industry] Solution – Exciting Traction So Far”

  
  

b. Personalization

Investors receive many cold emails, so personalization is key to standing out. Research the investor and mention any relevant portfolio companies or shared industry focus.

Example: “I saw that you’ve invested in [Company X], which operates in a similar space. I thought our work at [Your Startup] might align with your interests in the [industry] sector.”

c. The Hook: What Makes Your Startup Stand Out

Your email’s hook should clearly explain what problem you’re solving and why your solution is unique. Even at the pre-seed or seed stage, it's important to highlight any early traction, validation, or unique insights you’ve gathered from the market.

Example: "At [Your Company], we’re addressing [specific problem] for [target market]. Since launching [timeline], we’ve already [traction point, such as gained X customers, validated our MVP, partnered with Y company]."

d. Mention You’re in the Process of Raising Funds

Instead of mentioning the specific amount you're raising or your valuation, simply state that you’re in the process of a funding round and would like to explore further. This keeps the conversation open for the investor to engage without locking you into specific numbers too early.

Example: “We’re currently in the process of raising funds to accelerate our growth and would love to explore how we could align with your investment focus.”

Pre-Seed/Seed Cold Email Template

Here’s a sample email for a pre-seed or seed stage startup that avoids mentioning the exact raise amount:

Subject Line: Early-Stage [Industry] Startup – Growing Fast, Would Love to Connect

Hi [Investor Name],

I’m [Your Name], founder of [Your Startup]. I came across your investment in [Company X] and thought you might be interested in what we’re doing at [Your Company].

At [Your Company], we’re solving [specific problem] for [target market]. Since launching [timeline], we’ve [traction point, e.g., “onboarded X users, grew Y% MoM, secured partnerships with Z”].

We’re currently raising funds to scale and would love to discuss how we can align with your investment focus.

Would you be available for a quick call next week to explore potential collaboration?

Best regards,[Your Name][Your LinkedIn][Your Website]

Follow-Up Strategy for Pre-Seed and Seed Rounds

Investors at the pre-seed and seed stages are often inundated with emails, so a follow-up is crucial if you don’t hear back. Keep your follow-up polite and focused on progress.

a. Follow-Up Email Example

Subject Line: Following Up on [Your Startup’s Name]

Hi [Investor Name],

I wanted to quickly follow up on my previous email about [Your Company]. We’re continuing to make great progress, including [mention a recent milestone or traction point].

I’d love to discuss further how we might work together. Would next Tuesday or Thursday work for a short call?

Best regards,[Your Name][Your LinkedIn][Your Website]

Do’s and Don’ts for Cold Reaching Out to Investors

Do’s:

1. Research the Investor Thoroughly

• Do your homework before reaching out. Learn about the investor’s past investments, industries they focus on, and what stage they typically invest in. Reference a relevant investment or mention why your startup fits within their portfolio.Example:“I noticed you’ve invested in [Company X], which is also in the SaaS space. At [Your Company], we’re solving a complementary problem by...”

2. Personalize Every Message

• Do personalize every email or message. A generic email that could be sent to anyone will likely get ignored. Mention why you're reaching out to that specific investor.Example:“I came across your talk on [Podcast/Event] where you mentioned the importance of product-market fit, which aligns with our approach at [Your Company].”

3. Focus on Traction or Progress

• Do highlight the progress you’ve made, even if it’s small. Investors want to see some level of validation, whether that’s customer growth, product development, or partnerships.Example:“Since launching three months ago, we’ve already onboarded 200 paying customers and achieved 25% MoM growth.”

4. Keep It Short and To the Point

• Do keep your email brief—100-150 words max. Investors don’t have time to read long emails, especially if they haven’t engaged with you before. Focus on your traction, the problem you're solving, and why you’re reaching out.Example:“I’m [Your Name], founder of [Your Startup], and we’re solving [problem]. Since launching, we’ve [traction], and we’re raising funds to scale.”

5. Use a Catchy, Clear Subject Line

• Do craft a compelling subject line that summarizes your value proposition in a concise way. Use specific terms that can catch an investor’s attention.Example:“Pre-seed SaaS startup: Growing 30% MoM in [Your Industry]”“Innovating [Industry]: Building a Marketplace for [Target Market]”

6. Mention You’re in a Funding Round, But Don’t Mention Numbers

• Do mention that you’re raising funds, but don’t mention how much or your valuation. The aim is to spark curiosity and leave room for discussion.Example:“We’re in the process of raising funds to accelerate growth and would love to discuss how we might collaborate.”

7. Follow Up, Politely

• Do send a polite follow-up if you don’t get a response within 5-7 days. Investors often miss emails, so a gentle reminder can increase your chances of a reply.Example Follow-Up:“Hi [Investor], I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding [Your Startup]. We’ve made exciting progress, including [new milestone], and I’d love to explore potential collaboration.”

8. Focus on Building a Relationship

• Do position your cold outreach as the start of a relationship, not just a transactional request for funding. Investors often invest in founders they connect with, so approach them with a mindset of collaboration and long-term partnership.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Send a Generic, Unpersonalized Email

• Don’t send the same generic email to multiple investors. Investors can quickly spot mass outreach, and it gives the impression that you’re not really interested in them specifically.Generic Example to Avoid:“Hi Investor, I’m raising funds for my startup. Let me know if you’re interested.”

2. Don’t Overload the Email with Details

• Don’t cram too much information into the email. Avoid long paragraphs, multiple attachments, or deep technical explanations. Save the details for your follow-up meeting.Too Much Detail Example:“We’ve been working on this product for 3 years and have gone through 4 iterations. Our tech stack includes... [followed by 3 long paragraphs].”

3. Don’t Mention the Exact Raise Amount or Valuation

• Don’t mention how much you’re raising or your desired valuation in the initial email. At the pre-seed and seed stages, it’s better to leave these details for a conversation where you can explain your rationale in more depth.Example to Avoid:“We’re raising $2 million at a $10 million valuation.”

4. Don’t Be Vague About What You’re Doing

• Don’t make the mistake of being too vague about your startup or the problem you’re solving. Investors want to know upfront what your company does and why it matters.Vague Example to Avoid:“We’re building a platform to revolutionize the market.”Better Example:“We’re building a SaaS platform to automate supply chain processes for small manufacturers, reducing costs by 20%.”

5. Don’t Be Too Pushy

• Don’t send follow-ups too soon or come across as overly aggressive. If you haven’t heard back after two polite follow-ups, it’s best to move on. Some investors might not respond, and that’s okay.Example to Avoid:“Hi, why haven’t you responded to my email yet? I really think you should hear about my startup.”

6. Don’t Overpromise

• Don’t make unrealistic claims about your potential or product. Overpromising can damage your credibility later on, especially if you end up in deeper discussions with the investor.Example to Avoid:“We’re guaranteed to be the next unicorn in the industry.”Better Example:“Our product has the potential to disrupt [industry], and we’re seeing early traction that validates our approach.”

7. Don’t Forget to Include a Call to Action

• Don’t forget to clearly ask for a follow-up or a meeting. If the investor is interested, they need to know the next step.Example to Avoid:“Let me know if you want more info.”Better Example:“Would you be available for a quick 15-minute call next week to discuss?”

8. Don’t Send Attachments

• Don’t attach pitch decks, financials, or long documents in your first email. Investors are unlikely to open unsolicited attachments. Instead, provide a link to your website or a public profile (like LinkedIn).

Conclusion

Cold outreach is a vital tool for pre-seed and seed founders looking to engage investors, especially when warm introductions aren’t available. By focusing on personalization, traction, and your vision—while avoiding specific numbers—you can build relationships with investors that lead to funding opportunities.

Remember, early-stage investors care most about the problem you’re solving and whether your startup shows potential for growth. Use cold outreach to open the door, and let the details of the funding round unfold naturally as the conversation progresses.