For many founders, the hardest part of fundraising is not the pitch itself but what comes after. Following up can feel uncertain. Too little communication and you risk being forgotten. Too much and you risk being ignored. When done with tact and consistency, follow-ups build trust, spark conversations, and move decisions forward.

Recent discussions among investors in the Global Investment Leaders Club reveal a clear picture of what works and what does not when it comes to staying on their radar.

Choose the right channel

Most investors manage overflowing inboxes. A single message can disappear under hundreds of others. Visibility matters more than volume.

Investors said that once a relationship is formed, messaging apps become more effective as a follow up tool. “The easiest way is messengers. I prefer it because it’s more convenient,” said one.

Begin with LinkedIn for visibility. Confirm with a short follow-up email. Move to a messenger app only after establishing rapport. The right channel changes as familiarity grows.

Keep it short and polite

A follow-up is a reminder, not a second pitch. Long, dense emails are rarely read. Investors value brevity and clarity.

One investor suggested a simple approach: “Hey, it was great meeting you. Have you had a chance to review my materials? If not, when’s a good time for me to follow up?”

This tone, friendly and professional, is far more likely to earn a response than another long explanation or an attached deck.

Be persistent but respectful

Silence rarely means rejection. In most cases, it means the investor has not yet had time to review your material. Persistence signals seriousness, not pushiness, when done with care.

A UAE-based investor advised founders directly: “Keep following up weekly, even if I get too distracted or busy, come back again. I mean, don't take it personal. We just have so many other priorities.” He said that consistent, polite outreach demonstrates commitment and helps investors prioritise which founders to re-engage with.

Another investor agreed: “If there is something exciting, if there is a good match, all the timelines are a bit more accelerated.”

Keep following up, but never demand. Progress updates, not pressure, keep your company top of mind. Inform investors of the updates that are happening in your company: new contracts, new partnerships, show traction, soft commitments, etc.

Set the right tone

Follow-ups that feel like conversations perform better than those that read like transactions. Investors respond to authenticity more than polish.

Amit Rana, Board Advisor at DataVaccinator from Australia said: “I value authenticity… I enjoy when founders start with their challenges rather than just a pitch.” Being transparent about hurdles and how capital would help can be more persuasive than a flawless presentation.

Another investor added: “The best founders are the best storytellers.” Framing your progress and obstacles as part of a journey invites empathy and builds connection.

Mistakes to avoid

Several recurring follow up missteps stood out in investor feedback:

• Overloading with materials. Sending a full deck without context is ineffective. Wait until genuine interest is shown.
   
• Assuming silence is rejection. Most delays are due to time constraints, not disinterest.
   
• Chasing the wrong investor. Isaac Levy, Managing Partner at Lava Root Ventures from the USA said: “It’s very important for the entrepreneur to understand what are the spaces that a particular investor would be interested in.” Research saves time and improves fit.
   
• Being overly aggressive. Pressure rarely works. “The more aggressive they are, the more annoying I find them,” said Lisa Morris, Managing Director at AKS Family Partners LP from the USA.

The best founders tailor their outreach, reference the investor’s focus, and stay courteous.

The bottom line

Follow-ups are less about frequency and more about respect. Use the right channels. Keep your message short. Be persistent without being forceful. Lead with authenticity rather than polish. Always tailor your updates to what matters to the investor.

Done well, a follow-up is not just a reminder. It reflects how you communicate, build trust, and handle setbacks.

One investor summarised it best: “Raise curiosity, not just FOMO. If you do that, timelines accelerate.