Fundraising

Prospective Investor Updates

You met an investor, the timing wasn’t right, and now you need to stay on their radar. This is the drip email that keeps you in their deal flow - so when you’re ready to raise, the conversation is warm.

The template

Opening Hook

One sentence that gives them a reason to keep reading. Lead with a milestone, a surprising metric, or a customer win - not "just checking in." You're reminding them why they should care.

Example

Hi [Name] - quick update since we last spoke. We just crossed $15K MRR, up from $8K when we met in October.

Progress Since Last Contact

3–5 bullets showing what's changed since you last talked. This is the proof that you execute. Every update should make them think "this founder ships."

Example

Since we last connected:
• MRR: $8K → $15K (+87% in 3 months)
• Closed first enterprise pilot with [Notable Company]
• Hired senior engineer from Shopify
• Launched API - 3 integration partners in pipeline
• Featured in [Publication] as a top 10 tool for founders

Social Proof

Drop one or two signals that other smart people are paying attention. A new angel, an advisor, press mention, or a customer logo. Investors are herd animals - FOMO is real.

Example

We also brought on [Name] (ex-VP Product at Stripe) as an advisor, and [Angel Name] came in on our SAFE last month.

What's Next

Show them the roadmap for the next 60–90 days. This frames the narrative for your next update - and gives them a reason to follow up.

Example

Over the next quarter:
• Launching self-serve onboarding (targeting 3x signup velocity)
• Closing 2 more enterprise pilots ($50K+ ACV each)
• Hiring head of growth - if you know anyone, I'd love an intro

Soft Ask

Don't ask for money directly. Ask for something small - an intro, feedback on positioning, a referral. This keeps the door open without pressure. The goal is to stay in their deal flow, not to close in an email.

Example

No ask on capital right now - we're heads down building. But if you know any heads of ops at Series A fintech companies, I'd love a warm intro. Happy to share more detail on where we're at anytime.

Do’s & don’ts

Send every 6–8 weeks - enough to stay top of mind, not enough to annoy

Personalize the first line if you can - reference your last conversation

Keep it under 300 words - shorter than your investor update

BCC your list or use a CRM - never expose who else you're talking to

Include one specific, easy ask - intros convert better than "let me know how you can help"

Don't ask for money in the email - this is a nurture, not a pitch

Don't send the same update as your cap table investors - different audience, different tone

Don't go silent for 6 months then reappear asking for a check

Don't oversell - one exaggerated metric and you lose credibility permanently

Subject line format

Keep it personal and metric-forward. The goal is to get them to open it - not to pitch in the subject line.

[Company Name] - Quick update - $15K MRR, new enterprise pilot

Following up from [Event/Meeting] - here’s where we are