YC
How To Cold Email Investors - Michael Seibel
@ Y Combinator
09/24/19
Takeaways
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
Make your cold email to investors short enough to read in 60 seconds or less to ensure it gets read.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
Keep your cold email to investors under 60 seconds for reading to increase the chances of a reply.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
In your email, focus on the problem you're solving, your solution, whether you've launched, your growth metrics, market size, co-founders, technical expertise, and any controversial insights you have about the problem.
MS
Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
In your email, include key information such as the problem you're solving, your solution, whether you've launched, any growth metrics, your market size estimate, co-founders, your technical skills, and any controversial insights you have about the market.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
Avoid lengthy explanations of how you came up with your idea; instead, get straight to the point.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
Avoid providing a long history of how you came up with your idea; focus on raw facts instead of storytelling or jargon.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
Use a company email address that includes your name when reaching out to investors.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
Send your cold email from a company email address that includes your name to ensure clarity and professionalism.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
While attaching a deck to your email is acceptable, it's not required. If you do attach one, use a common format that investors are familiar with.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
Track the open rates of your emails to ensure that investors are actually seeing your message.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
While including a pitch deck isn't mandatory, if you do, use a common format to make it easier for investors to understand.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
Don't request an in-person meeting right away; instead, aim for a conversation first to build rapport.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
Avoid sending multiple follow-ups in quick succession; trust that if your email is concise, investors will read it and decide whether to respond.
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Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
Always describe what your company does in your email; many founders fail to do this, which can lead to missed opportunities.
MS
Michael Seibel
09/24/19
@ Y Combinator
Instead of asking for a meeting upfront, present your project clearly and invite the investor to ask for more information, which gives you leverage.