The Best Email Template For Investor Introductions
Forwardable Email
Gabor Garai defines the phrase, warm introduction, as, “the referral of an emerging company to a venture capital source through a contact who is familiar with both parties.” When raising a round of funding, experienced entrepreneurs realize that early evangelists are their best source for warm introductions to investors.
An early evangelist (referring source) can be an advisor, fellow founder, influencer, investor or thought leader.
Before identifying an early evangelist, entrepreneurs should do their own due diligence on the firm’s investment criteria, competing for investments and a particular person who could potentially champion the startup. The best vehicle to get the introduction is a forwardable email.
Below is a modified version of the best forwardable email I’ve received in some time. You can interchange the [content] with details that specifically pertain to your startup and who you’re addressing.
Subject Line: [Statup Name] intro to [Investors Name]?
Body:
Hi [Name],
It was great catching up with you yesterday — we’re thrilled that you think we have a strong business model.
I noticed that you are connected with [Investors Name]. I just took a look at their investments, and they’ve invested heavily in [Industry]. I suspect they are looking into using [Market Trend] better since many [Industry] investors are moving in that direction. Would you be able to introduce us?
I’m including relevant information below if you are able to pass it along. Thanks so much!
All the best,
[Name]
[Startup Name]is a [Business Model] for […]. We [State Mission Statement]. Early customers that we’ve acquired, perform […%] better, and stay […%] longer. We focus on [Target Market/Sector/Position] and are growing our metrics […%] month over month. We could complement their portfolio well.
Check out our case study with […].
View our pitch deck by clicking […].
This email provides all the necessary details for me to forward to an investor. It’s simple, clear and concise. The objective is to make the introduction as smooth and seamless as possible. When I proceed to forward the message I’d include a personal note about how I’m affiliated with the startup and why I believe in them. If the investor decides to accept the introduction, then I’ll add the startup to the thread. You’ll then proceed to move the introducer to BCC to avoid cluttering the inbox.
Remember, this is a transaction built on trust between the startup and the referring source. This is just one forwardable email template for receiving warm introductions. Please share your experiences below.
