5 ways to get more warm investor intros

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The best way to connect with investors is to get a warm introduction. The problem is that almost all founders exhaust their personal network before they can complete their funding round. Even founders with big and strong networks need to find ways to get more introductions to new investors.

That is why I am such a believer in cold outreach (and built a whole service around it). Still, whenever possible, a warm introduction is likely to be more effective and has a higher chance of leading to an investment.

So here are five ways you can work your way to generate more warm intros to investors:

1. Mutual LinkedIn contacts: When you find an investor you want to connect with, you can check their LinkedIn profile and see if you have mutual connections. If those are people you are comfortable asking for a favor, reach out to them and ask them if they can facilitate an intro. Of course, keep in mind that not every contact on LinkedIn is close enough in real life to foster an introduction.
2. Portfolio founders: Look at the investor's portfolio, and reach out to the founders. You can send them a connection request on LinkedIn. First, ask them for feedback on the investor in question. If they are responsive and willing to share their feedback or even meet you for a call, and if the feedback is positive, you can ask for an intro. Founders are often keen on helping other founders.
3. Event organizers and "super connectors": An obvious way to meet investors is to go to industry events. A bit less obvious is finding and connecting with "super connectors." Those are people who love to network and introduce people, and every industry and niche has them. They are open to connecting and always looking to add value by making introductions. Naturally, these are also the people who often organize industry events. Connect with event organizers and other "super connectors" and let them know whom you need to connect with. Don't forget to reciprocate and provide value by introducing them to your network.
4. Venture partners: Venture partners work with venture capital funds and help them find investment opportunities. They are not full partners ("general partners") in the fund and act as external advisers of sorts. Venture partners often have strong industry expertise and strong networks. Many of them work with various funds, and many also invest as angel investors. As a general rule, they are more open to networking and easier to connect with, so reach out to them.
5. Cold becomes warm: Investors with whom you connect through cold outreach become your warm contacts once you establish a relationship with them. They become part of your network and can help you grow it by introducing you to other investors. So cold outreach has the added value of building your network and gaining warm introductions.