Finding Venture Capital Investors

For: Startup founders

How to: Find venture capital investors

Playbook: Finding Venture Capital Investors Playbook

Why this works: You’re making it easy for the investor to say yes

Written by: Jeff Epstein, Operating Partner, Bessemer Venture Partners

1. Investors specialize by Sector, Stage, and Geography. Investors are much more likely to invest in something similar to what they’ve done before than to try something completely new. Research which investors have invested in companies similar to yours, then focus on your target investors. Useful resources:

a. Signal Investing Network

b. Pitchbook

c. Crunchbase

2. Develop a relationship with the CEO of one of your target investor’s portfolio companies.

a. Investors listen to their CEOs.

b. Ask one of their CEOs to give you a warm introduction.

Note: Introductions from VCs who have passed are often not helpful. “Why would I invest in a company you passed on?”