How can international founders build relationships with Silicon Valley investors without existing warm introductions?

Question

Accepted Answer

Warm introductions certainly help, but the best way to break in is by having something compelling enough that people want to introduce you. That will create the viral fundraising loop you want.

If you dont' have connections, don’t start by asking investors for money. Start by asking for their advice. Send a short, specific note: what you’re building, what you’ve learned, and one thoughtful question. Make it easy to respond. Ask if you can add them to your "investors update letter" (which you can start sending out monthly even if you don't yet have investors).

But the most compelling thing you can do - and this applies even if you DO have lots of warm introductions - it to build evidence. Customers, revenue, retention, and visible progress transcend time zones. Share updates consistently. Investors love momentum and ofen look to that before they enter a relationship.

The wya to really make it a relationship is usefulness. Help founders in their portfolio. Contribute to communities. Make intersting observations. Build relationships with angels and other founders—not just famous VCs.

You do not need to enter the funnel from the middle. It's. very possible to enter from the edges, create value, and keep showing up.