Keep cold emails under 150 words โ investors skim
Lead with traction, not your life story
One clear ask per email
Send Tuesday-Thursday, 8-10am their time zone
Warm intros convert 10x better than cold emails
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Cold Outreach
The Traction-First Cold Email
Most Effective
Best for:Strong metrics
Response rate:15-25%
Subject:[Company] โ $[X]k MRR, [Y]% MoM growth
Hi [First Name],
I'm the founder of [Company] โ we're building [one-line description].
We're at [$Xk MRR] growing [Y%] month-over-month, with [key metric like # customers, retention rate].
I noticed you invested in [portfolio company] โ we're tackling a similar problem in [adjacent market].
We're raising a [$X] seed round to [specific use of funds].
Worth a 20-minute call next week?
[Your name]
The Vision Cold Email
Pre-Traction
Best for:Early stage, strong story
Response rate:5-10%
Subject:Quick question about [market/thesis]
Hi [First Name],
I read your post about [topic they wrote about] โ your point about [specific insight] really resonated.
I'm building [Company] to solve exactly that problem. We [brief unique approach].
Before I was a founder, I [relevant experience that gives you unique insight].
I'd love your perspective on our approach โ even 15 minutes would be incredibly helpful.
Thanks,
[Your name]
๐ค
Warm Intro Requests
Forwardable Intro Request
High Convert
Send to:Your mutual connection
Conversion:40-60%
Subject:Intro to [Investor Name]?
Hey [Connector Name],
Hope you're doing well! Quick favor โ would you be comfortable introducing me to [Investor Name] at [Fund]?
Here's a blurb you can forward:
---
Hi [Investor],
I wanted to introduce you to [Your Name], founder of [Company]. They're building [one line] and are at [traction].
[Your Name] is raising a [$X seed] round and I thought they'd be a great fit for [Fund] given your focus on [their thesis].
I'll let you two take it from here!
---
Only if you're comfortable โ no pressure either way.
Thanks!
[Your name]
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Follow-Up Sequence
First Follow-Up (Day 4-5)
Bump
Subject:Re: [Original Subject]
Hi [First Name],
Just bumping this up โ I know inboxes get buried.
Quick update: we just [new milestone/customer/metric] since I last reached out.
Happy to work around your schedule for a quick call.
[Your name]
Final Follow-Up (Day 10-14)
Break-Up
Subject:Closing the loop
Hi [First Name],
I'll assume the timing isn't right โ totally understand.
If [your space/stage] becomes a focus area, I'd love to reconnect. We'll keep building in the meantime.
All the best,
[Your name]
P.S. Happy to stay in touch via monthly updates if you're interested โ just reply "updates" and I'll add you.
Post-Meeting Thank You
Same Day
Subject:Great chatting โ next steps
Hi [First Name],
Thanks for taking the time today โ really enjoyed discussing [specific topic from conversation].
As promised, here's [deck/data room link/info they requested].
Your question about [something they asked] got me thinking โ I'll dig into that and follow up.
What would be helpful for the next conversation?
Best,
[Your name]
๐ High-Performing Subject Lines
[Company] โ [Metric] in [Timeframe]
Quick question about [their thesis]
[Mutual connection] suggested I reach out
Loved your take on [topic]
[Company] โ [category] for [target customer]
Building the [known company] of [your space]
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