FUNDING · FOUNDER GUIDE
How to find investors for your startup
Written by CofoundAlly · Updated
The short answer
Find investors whose stated focus matches your startup’s stage, sector, geography and round size, then build a targeted shortlist rather than contacting everyone. Research each investor’s current mandate and recent investments, look for warm introductions through founders they have backed, and track every conversation. Prepare a short deck and clear metrics before you reach out.
Match before you reach out
Investors specialize. Some only invest at pre-seed, others lead Series A rounds; some focus on a sector or region. Compare your stage, sector, operating countries and target round size with each investor’s stated focus and typical ticket size. Check the firm’s own website, because mandates change.
Types of early-stage investors
Early-stage capital usually comes from angel investors, angel networks, pre-seed and seed venture funds, accelerators and, in some sectors, corporate venture arms. Non-dilutive options such as grants can complement equity funding.
Introductions and outreach
Warm introductions from founders an investor has backed tend to get more attention than cold emails. When reaching out cold, keep it short: what you do, for whom, the traction you have, what you are raising and why this investor fits. Track every contact, response and next step.
Investor search process
- Define your stage, sector, geography and target round size.
- Build a shortlist of investors whose focus matches.
- Verify each investor’s current mandate on their own website.
- Find warm introductions, then send short, specific outreach.
- Track conversations and follow up with progress updates.
Frequently asked questions
How many investors should I contact?
Founders often speak with dozens of investors in a round. A focused, well-matched shortlist produces better conversations than mass outreach.
Do I need traction to raise from investors?
Expectations vary by stage and sector. At very early stages investors weigh the team and insight heavily, but evidence of customer demand strengthens any pitch.
What is a typical ticket size?
The amount an investor usually invests in a single company at a given stage. Matching it to your round size avoids conversations that cannot lead to an investment.
Next step
Research investors on CofoundAlly by funding stage, sector, geography and typical ticket size, and keep a shortlist.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules differ by country; check with a qualified professional before acting.