How to connect and build rapport with angel investors

Hi, this is Steven from Drop. If you’d like to see if we can help you grow your business get in touch today.

In today’s email:

• How to connect and build rapport with angel investors

  • Do Your Research

  • Personalise Your Connect Request

  • Personalise Your Follow-Up Message

  • The Ask

  • Maintaining Momentum

How to Connect and Build Rapport with Angel Investors

Starting a new business venture or looking to raise capital for your existing business can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to reaching out to potential investors. With so many startups competing for investment, it's important to stand out and build a relationship with potential investors before making a pitch.

The aim is to build rapport, rather than pitching straight away. Investors are often overwhelmed with cold pitches from people they don't know, so taking the time to connect and engage with them on a personal level can give you an edge.

Do Your Research

One of the key ways to make a great first impression on investors is to do your research. Personalised messages outperform cold messages, and if you can research the investor and tailor your message, you'll increase the likelihood that they'll connect and engage with you.

LinkedIn is a great place to start when it comes to researching investors. It can provide a wealth of knowledge on what investors are posting about, their interests, and the communities they are a part of. This information can be valuable when it comes to personalising your connect request and follow-up messages.

If you need help finding Angel Investors, we've got you covered: Angel Investors LinkedIn Profiles

Personalise Your Connect Request

When connecting with investors on LinkedIn, it's helpful to add a note to your connection request. This is your first opportunity to make a personal impression, so make it count. Keep your note short and sweet, as LinkedIn connection notes have a 300-character limit.

Here are some examples of LinkedIn connection requests with a personalised note:

• Hi [Name], I was reading your profile, and I must say, I'm really impressed with your experience in/history with [X]. I'd love to learn more about this if you ever have time.

• Hi [Name], Your profile stood out to me, and I wanted to connect. I see that you helped [company] grow/scale/expand. I'd love to learn more about this if you ever have time.

• Hi [Name], I came across your profile, and I'm really impressed with your mission to [X]. I'd love to connect and learn more about your work.

Note: Use these examples as a guide and personalise your note based on your research into the individual investor.

Personalise Your Follow-Up Message

Once you've connected with an investor, it's time to follow up and continue building rapport. The best approach is to personalise your follow-up message, just like you did with your connect request.

Here are some examples of LinkedIn follow-up messages:

• Hi [Name], thanks for connecting. I was reading your profile, and I must say, I'm really impressed with your experience in/history with [X]. I aim to add as much value to my connections as possible, so let me know if I can offer any help at all. My company [Company Name], [1-line company summary].

• Hi [Name], thanks for connecting. I came across your recent article/post on [X], and it really grabbed my attention. I'd love to learn more about your experience and thoughts on [X]. Let me know if you have a moment to chat.

• Hi [Name], congratulations on being featured in [X]. I'm really impressed with your mission to [X], and I'd love to learn more about your work. Let me know if you have a moment to chat.

Note: Again, use these examples as a guide and personalise your follow-up message based on your research into the individual investor.

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The Ask

Now that you have built a relationship with the investor, it is time to make the big ask. Whether you have received a positive response from your previous messages, or it has been a reasonable amount of time since your last message (at least 3 days), it is now time to approach the investor about your funding needs.

It is important to keep in mind that not all investors are actively investing, and not everyone will invest straight away. However, you can still make the ask and see if they are interested in learning more about your company and investment opportunity.

Example of an Ask:

Hi [Name],

Thanks for your time and consideration. As I mentioned, I aim to add as much value to my connections as possible, so let me know if I can offer any help at all.

We will be raising investment soon and it would be extremely valuable to get feedback from you given your experience. I'd love the chance to share more information with you.

Would you prefer me to send an email or would a call be better?

Best,

Note: now is the perfect time to attach or link to your pitch deck.

Maintaining Momentum

If you have successfully engaged with an investor and received interest, it is important to maintain the momentum and keep the relationship strong. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

A: Ask for referrals

When getting feedback on your pitch deck, or directly pitching, you can ask the investor if they would be interested in investing in this round or if they know anyone else who would be interested. This gives the investor two immediate options: either they can invest themselves, or they can introduce you to another investor.

B: Stay organised

With all the hard work you have done to get to this point, it is important to stay organised. Use a spreadsheet or CRM system to keep track of potential investors, their responses, and follow-up dates.

C: Always follow up

Once you have sent your email or made your pitch, it is important to follow up with the investor. A gentle reminder can go a long way in keeping the relationship strong and maintaining momentum.

In conclusion, connecting and building rapport with angel investors takes time, effort, and a personalised approach. By doing your research, personalising your connect request and follow-up messages, making the ask, and maintaining momentum, you can increase your chances of success in securing investment from angel investors.

 If you’d like to see if we can help you raise investment for your business get in touch today.

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