How to get warm intros to investors (tested on 10+ companies)

Everyone: "Warm intro is the best way to get a meeting with any investor on the planet".
Me at my previous startup: asking for intros for 3 weeks, still 0 meetings.

It turns out that if you do intros wrong, they just don't work.

Fast forward to today, I interviewed 100+ founders about fundraising and helped 10+ startups with their rounds.

My guide on how to get warm introductions to investors the right way.

TL;DR

1/ Reach out to the right referrers

Not all intros are qual.
Referrer types

2/ Follow the double opt-in protocol

When introducing two people who don't know each other, ask each of them to opt-in to the introduction before making it. — Fred Wilson

Double opt-in protocol

3/ Ask for intros, not recommendations

No one other than you knows what investors are great for your startup.
how to ask for warm introductions

4/ Tell your referrers WHY you want the intro to the investor

Usually because of their relevant experience. Your referrers need a reason to make the intro.
warm introduction email example

5/ Send a forwardable email

Make it 0 work to make the intro.
forwardable email example

6/ Create FOMO with each follow up

investor follow up example

Bonus: How to grow your network?

Use networking platforms.
Reach out to founders in your industry for advice.

👉 Full article: https://shizune.co/blog/how-to-get-warm-introductions-to-investors/

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Also, if you're fundraising, I built Shizune for you. It can find investors for you and get meetings with them. Check it out: https://shizune.co/