A warm introduction is a referral from someone trusted by both you and a prospective investor. It can open a meeting that a cold approach may not. section 2.2 section 7.1
The introduction is only the start. Prepare a short elevator pitch explaining the company, problem, differentiation, market, business model, achievements, and funding request. Keep it focused on earning the meeting; save the full pitch deck for later. section 2.2
Make the referral useful by checking three things:
- Use a connector who genuinely knows you, knows the investor, and is trusted by that investor. section 7.1
- Check the firm’s and partner’s investment thesis before asking for an introduction. section 7.1
- Treat the referral as an opportunity, not evidence that the investor wants the deal. section 7.1
A trusted connection is not enough
A consultant connected a startup with Boston venture capitalists and helped create its investor story. In another case, a warm introduction led to a partner who disliked semiconductor investments; after many similar meetings, the startup had spoken with more than 100 firms. The lesson: confirm fit before relying on access. section 2.2 section 7.1
