Editor’s note: Jay Bigelow’s column is part of a regular series at ExitEvent. Why Jay? Because, as director of entrepreneurship at the Council of Entrepreneurial Development (CED), he’s charged with meeting and learning the needs of entrepreneurs all over this region and connecting them with the resources and people to help achieve their goals. ExitEvent is a news partner of WRAL TechWire.
DURHAM, N.C. – For the past three months leading up to the CED Tech Venture Conference (see the recap here), the team at CED has been busy making matches between potential investors/corporates and ventures seeking funding/partners. Expanding and utilizing this network is a key pillar in CED’s mission going forward. In many cases, it involves the ‘warm introduction.’
The warm introduction happens when an informed and trusted individual connects two people who don’t know each other, and it’s a must if you want to meet new investors. These introductions can come from existing investors, key advisors or other supporters (like CED). Sounds simple enough, but I want to share a best practice for handling them in the most appropriate manner.
Here’s an example of a great approach to take advantage of an introduction: (name & details redacted)
“(name of friend making introduction), – many thanks for the introduction (moving to you to bcc)
(name of investor), I’ve been in VC-backed startups in Silicon Valley for over 20 years and just returned to NC last year with my family and my new startup, (xyz). I’d love to set up some time to meet you in person and give you a private look into (product) and how we’ve been able to (proof point of traction). We also recently won an (validation point #1) and are a (validation point #2).
Let me know when you can find time to meet at (specific event/location and time). I’ll be there and would love to talk.”
For specific tips, read the full story at ExitEvent.
