Should founders contact investors prior to attending angel group pitch events?

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Accepted Answer

Hi,

I like the idea of reaching out ahead of time. I'm not familiar with Seattle Angel Alliance, but if its like most of these small investor groups, working the room hoping for luck is iffy at best. Investors get mobbed at pitch nights. If you wait until Monday evening, you're competing with dozens of other founders for two minutes of random conversation..

So yes, target five to ten angels who actually invest in your domain. Send a quick note beforehand: "I’m pitching Monday and know your background in workforce tech. I’d love to say hello for two minutes at the reception."

But almost more important prep is to learn eerything you can abaout your targets: what previous investments they've done, what they normally inest in, what size investments they make, etc. Showing that you've done your homework will go a long way toward them taking you seriously - and make them realize you are initiating the connection looking for something other than money.

Good luck. (Report back - to the group if you're comfortable - what happened, what worked, what didn't, and what you would recommend to others).