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Mastering the Art of Cold Emails to Investors

Actionable tips for writing emails that grab VCs' attention and open doors for your startup.

Author

Anmol Goel
December 03, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5min4 minutes

Hello Innovators,

Welcome to this edition of the GACS Newsletter! Crafting the perfect cold email can feel like navigating uncharted waters. It’s crucial to make every word count when reaching out to potential investors who receive hundreds of pitches daily. But don’t worry with the right approach, you can stand out and capture their interest. If you missed our last newsletter with the (Ultimate Investors List), now is the perfect time to check it out. Pair that resource with these tips to maximize your outreach.

Personalization Is Key

One size does not fit all when it comes to cold emails. Investors are more likely to engage when they feel your email was meant for them. Reference their recent investments, a keynote they delivered, or an article they wrote. This personalized touch shows you’ve done your homework and makes them more inclined to keep reading.

Example: “I noticed your firm’s investment in [Startup X], which aligns closely with our approach to [problem].”

Quantify Your Value Proposition

A generic pitch won't cut it. Investors look for tangible proof of success and potential. Instead of saying, “We’re poised for growth,” back up your claims with data:

  • Market size ($X billion opportunity)

  • Number of active users or clients

  • Monthly or yearly revenue growth percentages

Example: “We’ve grown our user base by 300% in the past 12 months and generated $500K in annual recurring revenue.”

Hook Them With the Problem You Solve

Investors want to see that you’re addressing a genuine pain point. Frame the problem in a way that’s relatable and significant, especially if it’s within their investment focus. Remember, no need to write an essay—one or two impactful sentences about the problem you’re solving will suffice.

Example: “The average [industry] company spends [X hours] weekly on [task]. Our platform cuts that by [percentage], saving significant time and money.”

source: open vc

Show, Don’t Tell—Use Bullet Points for Impact

  1. When talking about your achievements or product, avoid large blocks of text. Bullet points help emphasize key points and make your email more digestible:

    • Grew customer base from 1,000 to 10,000 within a year

    • Secured partnerships with top-tier brands like [Company A] and [Company B]

    • Rated 4.8/5 by over 1,000 users

    Numbers and concise statements create a powerful impact that long paragraphs can’t.

Make It a Two-Way Street

Investors aren’t just there to give—you need to show what’s in it for them. Explain how your startup aligns with their goals and how investing in you benefits their portfolio. This turns your email from a simple pitch to a potential partnership.

Example: “We believe your expertise in scaling [sector] startups would be invaluable as we enter our next growth phase.”

End With a Clear Call to Action

Don’t leave your recipient guessing. Be specific in your request, whether it’s scheduling a 15-minute call, asking for feedback, or inviting them to a demo day.

Example: “Could we schedule a 20-minute call next week to discuss how we could collaborate? I’d be glad to adjust to your schedule.”

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Quick Bonus Tips:

  • Keep It Short: Stay within 200-300 words to respect the investor’s time.

  • Proofread for Perfection: Typos or grammar issues can tarnish your professionalism.

  • Follow Up: If you don’t get a response within a week, send a polite follow-up with a brief reminder of your original message.

With these strategies, your emails won’t just be noticed—they’ll be remembered.

Missed our last newsletter? Make sure to check out the Ultimate Investors List we shared, featuring top VC firms and angel investors tailored to your needs. Use that list to put these cold-email tips into action and kick-start your funding journey.

We hope you found these tips helpful! For more insights and detailed guides, visit our GACS Blog, and Stay tuned for more insights and tips from the startup world in our upcoming newsletters!

Best regards,

The GACS Team