INVESTOR OUTREACH EMAIL TEMPLATES ================================== The Startup Project | startupproject.org These templates are starting points. Always personalize with specific details about the investor's portfolio, thesis, and recent activity. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 1: WARM INTRO REQUEST (TO MUTUAL CONNECTION) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Intro request - [Your Company] to [Investor Name] Hi [Connection Name], Hope you're doing well! I'm reaching out because I noticed you're connected with [Investor Name] at [Fund Name], and I think [Company] could be a great fit for their portfolio. Quick context on us: - We're building [one-line description] - [Key traction metric, e.g., "$50K MRR, growing 20% month-over-month"] - [Why now / unique insight] [Investor Name] seems like a great fit because [specific reason - their thesis, portfolio company, blog post they wrote, etc.]. Would you be comfortable making an intro? Happy to send a forwardable blurb if helpful. Thanks so much! [Your Name] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 2: FORWARDABLE BLURB (FOR YOUR CONNECTION TO FORWARD) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Investor Name] - I'd like to introduce you to [Founder Name], founder of [Company]. [Company] is [one sentence description]. They're seeing strong early traction with [key metric] and are raising a [round size] [round type] round. [1-2 sentences on why this is interesting / why you're excited] I'll let [Founder Name] take it from here. Best, [Connection Name] --- [From Founder - keep this brief] Thanks for the intro, [Connection Name]! [Investor Name] - [Company] is [problem you solve] for [target customer]. We're doing this by [your unique approach]. Quick highlights: - [Traction metric 1] - [Traction metric 2] - [Team credential or unfair advantage] I'd love to share more about what we're building. Would you have 20 minutes this week or next? Best, [Your Name] [Company] | [website] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 3: COLD OUTREACH - VC FUND -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: [Company] - [One-line hook relevant to their thesis] Hi [Partner Name], I'm [Your Name], founder of [Company]. We're building [one-line description], and I think we'd be a strong fit for [Fund Name]'s portfolio. Why I'm reaching out to you specifically: - [Reference their investment thesis, blog post, podcast, or portfolio company] - [How your company fits their focus area] What we're building: [2-3 sentences on the problem, solution, and why now] Early traction: - [Metric 1] - [Metric 2] - [Metric 3] Team: - [Founder background - keep to 1 line each] We're raising a [$X] [stage] round and would love to share our deck. Do you have 20 minutes this week? Best, [Your Name] [Company] | [website] P.S. [Optional: Add a personal touch - shared connection, mutual interest, etc.] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 4: COLD OUTREACH - ANGEL INVESTOR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: [Company] - Thought this might interest you Hi [Angel Name], I've been following your work [at Company X / on Twitter / through your investments in Y and Z], and I think [Company] might be interesting to you. We're [one-line description]. The opportunity: - [Market insight or timing] - [Your unique approach] - [Early validation / traction] I noticed you invested in [portfolio company] - we share a similar thesis around [connection point]. We're raising [amount] from angels who can add value through [specific help you need - intros, advice, domain expertise]. Would you be open to a quick call? I can also send our deck if you prefer to review async. Best, [Your Name] [LinkedIn] | [Twitter if relevant] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 5: ACCELERATOR APPLICATION FOLLOW-UP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: [Company] - Application submitted, quick question Hi [Accelerator Team / Specific Person if known], I just submitted [Company]'s application for [Batch/Program Name] and wanted to briefly introduce myself. We're building [one-line description]. What makes us different: - [Key differentiator 1] - [Key differentiator 2] Since submitting, we've [recent progress - new customer, milestone, etc.]. I have a quick question about [specific question about program, timeline, or process]. Looking forward to hopefully meeting the team! Best, [Your Name] [Company] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 6: INVESTOR UPDATE (POST-MEETING FOLLOW-UP) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: [Company] - Following up + [New Development] Hi [Investor Name], Great speaking with you [yesterday / on Tuesday / last week]. I appreciated your questions about [specific topic they asked about]. As promised, here's [the deck / additional info / data you mentioned]. Since we spoke, we've also [new development - helps show momentum]: - [Update 1] - [Update 2] Regarding your question about [specific concern they raised], I wanted to add that [address the concern with data or context]. What would be helpful next steps on your end? Happy to connect you with [customers / other investors / references] if useful. Best, [Your Name] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLATE 7: RE-ENGAGING A "NOT RIGHT NOW" INVESTOR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: [Company] update - [Milestone achieved] Hi [Investor Name], When we last spoke [X months ago], you mentioned [specific feedback - "come back with more traction" / "too early for us" / etc.]. I wanted to share a quick update: Then: [Where you were] Now: [Where you are - specific metrics] Key developments: - [Milestone 1] - [Milestone 2] - [Milestone 3] We're now raising our [round type] and I'd love to reconnect. Would you have time for a 20-minute call next week? Best, [Your Name] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE INVESTOR OUTREACH -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. RESEARCH DEEPLY - Read their blog posts, tweets, and podcast appearances - Study their portfolio - find connection points - Understand their typical check size and stage 2. KEEP IT SHORT - Investors skim hundreds of emails - Lead with your strongest hook - Save details for the meeting 3. BE SPECIFIC - Generic pitches get ignored - Show you've done your homework - Reference specific reasons why they're a fit 4. SHOW MOMENTUM - Lead with traction if you have it - Metrics > descriptions - Growth rate > absolute numbers (early stage) 5. MAKE IT EASY - Clear ask (20-minute call) - Include your deck or offer to send - Suggest specific times if possible 6. FOLLOW UP (BUT DON'T SPAM) - One follow-up after 5-7 days is fine - Add new information in follow-ups - Know when to move on 7. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS EARLY - Best time to meet investors is when you're not raising - Share updates even when not fundraising - Engage with their content authentically -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUBJECT LINE FORMULAS THAT WORK -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - [Company] - [Investor's thesis area] startup, [impressive metric] - [Mutual Connection] suggested I reach out - [Company] - [What you do] for [target market] - Quick question about [Fund Name]'s thesis on [topic] - [Company] - [One compelling fact] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These templates are provided by The Startup Project (startupproject.org). Free startup resources for founders at every stage.