How to Build Investor Relationships Before You Need Funding

Why Build Investor Relationships Early?
✅ Faster yeses during fundraising
✅ Stronger trust and credibility
✅ Access to feedback and warm intros
✅ Leverage: Investors compete to back you
✅ Better terms: You’re not desperate, so you can negotiate

Investors often track startups for 6–12 months before writing a check. Start building now, and you’ll raise faster later.

How to Find the Right Investors
Start by identifying:

Stage-appropriate investors (angel, seed, Series A, etc.)

Industry focus: SaaS, fintech, healthtech, etc.

Geography: Some funds prefer local startups

Check size and cadence

Portfolio companies you relate to

Use tools like:

Crunchbase

PitchBook

Signal by NFX

VC Guide

Track them in a spreadsheet or CRM (like HubSpot or Streak).

Smart Ways to Initiate Contact
Start by giving, not asking.

Comment on their content (Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs)

Share thoughtful insights or articles

Ask a relevant question (e.g., about a portfolio company)

Attend meetups or events where they speak

Send short, relevant intro emails

📬 Sample outreach:

“Hi [Investor Name], I’m building [Startup Name] in [Space]. Loved your recent take on [Topic]. Would love to share what we’re up to — no pitch, just connecting.”

Create a Lightweight Investor Update
Start a monthly or quarterly update email. Include:

Progress (users, revenue, product milestones)

Wins and press

Key hires

Help needed (hiring, intros)

A short personal note

Tools:

Foundersuite Update Tool

Visible.vc

Mailchimp / Substack / plain email

Even if they don’t invest yet, they’ll remember your consistent progress.

Offer Value Without Being Pushy
Investors are inundated with asks. Stand out by providing:

Market insights

Beta invites

Customer referrals

Portfolio synergies

Event invites

You’re not selling — you’re building a real relationship.

Warm Intros > Cold Emails
If possible, get introduced by:

Portfolio founders

Mutual LinkedIn connections

Accelerators or advisors

Syndicate leads

Use tools like Clay or Common Room to mine your network.

When to Pitch
Start with “relationship calls” months before your round. Ask for advice, not money.

When you’re ready to raise:

Remind them of your progress

Share your deck

Run a tight, time-bound process

Those who’ve been following along are much more likely to invest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Only emailing investors when you need money
❌ Over-promising in early updates
❌ Being vague about traction
❌ Not tracking your investor CRM
❌ Ghosting after initial interest