Fundraising is just sales. As in all sales processes, you need to build a pipeline, take rejection, and keep plugging. Unfortunately, I see fund managers making the same errors in fundraising, repeatedly. Based on what NOT to do, here’s what I recommend you actually do: Build a pipeline of actually qualified leads, instead of “networking”...
[Continue Reading]How to Use SPIN Selling to Raise Capital
“One of the biggest issues I see with salesmanship in VC is that most pitches start with an awkward… ‘so should I start with a little about me and the fund I’m raising’. For most VCs, the default is to just start giving their canned stump speech and steamroll through the meeting.” So says Dave...
[Continue Reading]Template Structure for the Anchor Investor in Your New Private Equity/ VC Fund
Many emerging fund managers find that large anchor investors request economics in their general partnership or management company. To help guide that negotiation, here’s a template of an opening letter to a potential anchor investor, laying out all your deal structuring options. You may find helpful a piece from Techcrunch on Should you give an...
[Continue Reading]Organizing a Fundraising Dinner: Template Best Practices
One of the most powerful ways to attract investors to your fund or company is to organize a carefully curated dinner for qualified potential investors. Here’s my quick template cheatsheet for making that happen: Invite [Firm] Investor Dinner Please join us at a curated salon dinner exclusively for existing and potential investors in [Fund] Where?...
[Continue Reading]Databases of limited partners investing in emerging VC funds
I’ve collected numerous lists of allocators focused on emerging VC fund managers. Of course, I emphasize you’re not going to be very effective if you just bulk-email these allocators. Please do your background research and pitch each LP based on how you uniquely fit their criteria. I’ve met few emerging managers who had success with...
[Continue Reading]How to Configure a CRM for an Investment Management Firm
I’m surprised at how many emerging managers launch without a CRM, just a shared spreadsheet. I strongly recommend use a proper CRM from day one. For advice on which to use, see What is the Best CRM and Marketing Tech Platform for a New Private Equity/Venture Capital Fund? Your goal should be to add ALL...
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