The Unwritten Rules of Fundraising

Objective:

Understand how to navigate the fundraising process, build meaningful connections, and meet investor expectations while maintaining professionalism and persistence.

Context:

Fundraising isn’t glamorous — it’s a grind. With a 95% rejection rate, it’s a numbers game. Success comes down to building volume, creating meaningful connections, and getting your pitch in front of the right people. Preparation, intention, and persistence are the keys to success. 

Core Concepts:

1. Networking: The Foundation of Fundraising

Networking isn’t just about meeting people — it’s about making a lasting impression and staying top of mind.

Investors rarely write checks at the first meeting; trust is built over time by demonstrating consistency and execution.

Actionable Tips:

• Add everyone you meet on LinkedIn to expand your network.
• Attend relevant events with angels and VCs if fundraising is planned within six months.
• Research attendees in advance to prepare personalized talking points.
• Perfect your 30-second pitch so it’s concise and compelling.
• Avoid slow-growth opportunities like government contracts; focus on scalability.
• Ask for feedback instead of funds initially to build rapport.
• Start PR early and consistently communicate your vision through press, social media, and updates.
• Collect email addresses to maintain contact and send monthly updates.

2. Monthly Email Updates: Keep Them Hooked

Regular updates build trust by showcasing progress and maintaining investor interest.

Best Practices:

• Limit updates to two or three lines per section, using bullet points.
• Lead with key wins and metrics to demonstrate traction.
• Include a clear ask (e.g., advice, connections) to engage recipients.
• Send updates consistently, e.g., the first of every month.

3. Introductions: Warm Leads Open Doors

A warm introduction from a credible source increases your chances of getting noticed.

How to Maximize Introductions:

• Write forwardable emails with concise context, your company intro, and a link to your deck.
• Stay in control of investor interactions; never delegate this to advisors or team members.
• Use specific subject lines and highlight why you’re reaching out.

4. Scheduling Meetings: Respect Investor Time

How you handle scheduling sets the tone for future interactions.

Key Practices:

• BCC introducers immediately to minimize unnecessary back-and-forth.
• Offer time slots in the investor’s time zone using bullet points.
• Avoid Calendly links; they can feel impersonal to some investors.
• Avoid rescheduling unless absolutely necessary.
  

5. The First Meeting: Make It Count

Your first meeting is often 30 minutes, making preparation critical.

Preparation Tips:

• Deliver a concise pitch in under 8 minutes, focusing on the problem, solution, and opportunity.
• Have a clean and visually appealing deck ready with no more than 30 words per slide.
• Be prepared for interruptions and use them as opportunities to engage.
• Refine your pitch based on recurring questions or feedback.

Building Momentum: The Path to Yes

Fundraising is a process that requires persistence, resilience, and strategic follow-ups.

VC Funds: Start with a 30-minute pitch and progress through follow-ups, due diligence, and an investment committee decision.

Angel Groups: Identify a champion to introduce your pitch to the group, followed by Q&A and one-on-one follow-ups.

Final Takeaway:

Fundraising takes time, persistence, and strategy. Success lies in building momentum, respecting investor etiquette, and refining your approach at every stage. Treat each interaction as a step toward your ultimate goal and remember: every “no” gets you closer to the “yes” that matters.

Explore More Funraising Resources:

The Broken Venture Capital System: Lessons From the Front Lines

What VCs Really Think of Your Startup

B2B SaaS Pitch Deck Template

--------------------------------

Tags: Fundraising, Venture Capital, Seed, How to Raise Money

This article follows the Founder VC Virtual Incubator's standardized format to ensure clarity, actionability, and professionalism:

This format ensures a professional and consistent reading experience, with actionable insights founders can immediately implement.