Reaching investors is difficult, but not impossible. The most effective founders know that success begins long before the pitch deck. It starts with how you open a conversation.
At a recent global investors session held by the Global Investment Leaders Club , the advice on approaching investors via different mediums was consistent: keep it short, relevant and human. Be very precise when sending a message on LinkedIn or an email, “Just a quick few words like I’m building this, are you interested? Acknowledge you did your homework. Ten times out of ten I would reply,” one investor said. A first message or email should create interest, not overwhelm.
Avoid long paragraphs, unsolicited attachments, and generic claims. Instead, mention what you are building, how it resonates with the investor’s focus, and invite them for a brief call. The goal is not to sell your investment offering with one message. It is to create interest and opportunity to keep the conversation going.
Warm introductions still carry the most weight. Prasun Mishra, Founding Partner of Global Sustainability Impact Fund, LLC from the USA explained: “There are ways for warm introductions that actually enhance your chances.” Introductions through networks, alumni groups, or investors’ communities create trust before the first word is exchanged. Cold outreach can work, but warm connections move faster and with fewer barriers.
When it comes to channels, social networks requests followed by email remain the most effective sequence. Sebright Chen, Chairman and CEO of Summer Atlantic Capital from the USA said: “The best way would be to send me a message on LinkedIn and then an email afterwards so I can recognize you.” WhatsApp can work as well, but usually only after the first meeting. Each step should feel natural, not forced.
What investors want to see in that first message is simple: fit, traction, and momentum. Ankur Sethi, Founder & Investor at Winner Capital from Canada advised founders to “call out one or two landmarks in your story and get me excited.” Highlighting small but concrete wins—an early partnership, a successful pilot, or growing user engagement—shows progress without overstatement.
If your message goes unanswered, do not assume rejection. Most investors are balancing travel, meetings, and multiple priorities. “Keep following up weekly… don’t take the delay personally,” said Mazin Gadir, Director Of Strategic Partnerships at IQVIA from the UAE. Persistence, handled with respect, signals professionalism rather than desperation.
Above all, remember that investors are people, not silent wallets. They respond to authenticity, warmth, and clarity. Amit Rana, Board Advisor at DataVaccinator from Australia said, “I value authenticity… I enjoy when founders start their introduction with their challenges rather than just a pitch.” A message that feels human and specific will stand out in a crowded inbox.
Avoid the common mistakes investors see daily. Long, generic introductions rarely work. Irrelevant sector pitches waste everyone’s time. “I really hate a 15-page LinkedIn message with a deck in it. I immediately delete them,” said Lisa Morris, Managing Director at AKS Family Partners LP from the USA.
Remember: The first message is not about closing a deal. It is about opening a dialogue. When founders treat investors as people first, show real curiosity, and keep their communication concise, they build the foundation for lasting relationships. That conversation, built on trust and respect, is where real investment begins.
