How to Get Warm Intros to Investors

 Map Out Your Network and Connections

Start by mapping out who you know and how they might connect to investors. This step will help you identify people who could potentially introduce you to your target investors.

• Use LinkedIn: Check LinkedIn to see if you or your first-degree connections know any of the investors on your target list. LinkedIn’s "Shared Connections" feature can help you spot connections.

• Analyze AngelList and Crunchbase: These platforms often show relationships between founders, investors, and startups. Look up investors to see if you share any mutual connections.

• Check Professional and Alumni Networks: Alumni networks, industry groups, and even previous colleagues can be excellent sources for introductions. Look through alumni directories or reach out to past colleagues who might be connected to investors.

Example: If you’re looking for a seed-stage FinTech investor, and you see that a friend or advisor is connected to one, you can reach out to ask if they’d feel comfortable making an introduction.

Leverage Current Investors, Advisors, and Mentors

If you already have investors, advisors, or mentors, they can be a strong source for warm introductions to other investors in their network.

• Share Your Target List: Create a list of target investors and share it with your current investors and advisors. Ask if they know anyone on the list and if they’d feel comfortable making an introduction.

• Explain Your Goals: Be clear about your fundraising goals, the amount you’re raising, and why specific investors are a good fit. This clarity will make it easier for your connection to frame the introduction.

• Provide Context for the Intro: Offer a few key points that your referrer can mention, like recent traction, your value proposition, and how you align with the investor’s portfolio.

Example Request:“Hi [Advisor’s Name], we’re planning our next funding round, and I’d love to connect with [Investor’s Name], who I noticed has a strong track record in FinTech. If you feel comfortable, would you be open to introducing us? I’d be happy to share a few quick bullet points to make it easier.”

Connect with Fellow Founders for Intros

Founders in your network, especially those who have already raised from your target investors, can be helpful in making introductions. They can also share tips on pitching to specific investors.

• Reach Out to Founders with Relevant Investors: If a founder in your network has raised from your target investor, reach out to them for an introduction.

• Offer Value in Return: Where possible, offer something in return—such as insights, resources, or future introductions. Building a mutually beneficial relationship makes them more likely to help.

• Share the Context of the Introduction: Explain why you think the investor is a good fit and briefly outline your current progress or traction to show you’re ready for funding.

Example Message to Founder:“Hi [Founder’s Name], I saw that you recently raised with [Investor’s Name]. I’m preparing for our seed round for [Startup], and I think they could be a great fit. If you’d feel comfortable, would you be open to making an intro? I’d be happy to provide any context you’d need!”

Use Social Media and Industry Events to Build Connections

Engaging with investors on social media or at events can build familiarity, making it easier to ask for a warm introduction down the line.

• Engage on LinkedIn and Twitter: Follow investors on LinkedIn and Twitter, comment on their posts, and engage in meaningful ways. Over time, this can help build recognition, making your ask for an intro feel less out of the blue.

• Join Events and Webinars: Investors often speak at industry events, webinars, and conferences. Attend these events, ask questions, and network with fellow attendees who may have direct relationships with the investors.

• Leverage Clubhouse: Many investors participate in Clubhouse discussions. Engage in these rooms to increase your visibility and connect with others who may be able to introduce you.

Example: After attending a webinar where a relevant investor was a speaker, you could message someone in your network who attended with you, mentioning the event as context to build rapport before requesting an introduction.

Use Alumni Networks and Startup Communities

Your alumni networks and startup communities are often filled with people who are happy to help fellow entrepreneurs. Investors often have ties to certain schools, accelerators, or incubators, making these networks valuable for introductions.

• Tap Into Alumni Networks: Alumni are usually open to helping one another. Reach out to see if they know any investors on your list, especially if your school has a strong entrepreneurial network.

• Join Startup Incubators and Communities: Platforms like Y Combinator’s Startup School, On Deck, and Slack communities have extensive networks. Engage with other founders and ask for intros when appropriate.

• Use Accelerators: If you’re part of an accelerator like Techstars or 500 Startups, their network can help facilitate introductions to a wide range of investors.

Example: In an alumni directory, you find an alum who’s well-connected in the venture capital world. Reach out with a message like, “Hi [Alum’s Name], I’m a fellow [University Name] alum working on [Startup]. I noticed you’re connected to [Investor], and I’d love to chat about an introduction if it’s appropriate.”

Reach Out to Service Providers with Investor Relationships

Service providers such as startup lawyers, accountants, and consultants often have established relationships with investors.

• Build a Relationship First: If you have a good relationship with a service provider, let them know you’re preparing for a funding round and ask if they know any investors who could be a fit.

• Request an Intro as a Side Ask: Don’t make introductions the main reason for reaching out—approach this naturally, as a byproduct of discussing your startup’s needs and fundraising plans.

• Show Mutual Benefit: Service providers are more inclined to help if they see a benefit, such as future work opportunities, referrals, or industry credibility.

Example Request to a Lawyer:“We’re planning our next funding round, and I’m working on targeting investors who are aligned with FinTech. I know you’re well-connected in the space—if you feel comfortable, would you mind introducing me to anyone who might be a fit?”

Follow Up with Professional Courtesy

If you receive an introduction request, make sure to follow up promptly and professionally to show respect for the connection.

• Respond Quickly: Acknowledge introductions promptly, and show appreciation to the person who made the connection.

• Follow Through: After your conversation with the investor, keep the person who introduced you in the loop on how it went.

• Thank Your Connection: A thank-you message or small gesture goes a long way in building strong relationships. It can be as simple as a thank-you email or a LinkedIn recommendation.

Example Follow-Up: “Thank you for introducing me to [Investor Name]! We had a great conversation, and I’ll keep you posted on how things progress. Really appreciate your help.”