How to Craft a Compelling Introduction as an Angel Investor
How angel investors can stand out and build strong connections with founders.
As an angel investor, you're regularly engaging with founders, but standing out in a crowded inbox is key. One simple way to capture a founder’s attention and make a lasting impression is by having a well-crafted introduction ready to go. This not only sparks curiosity but also helps founders easily recall who you are when you finally hop on that first call.
The Ideal Format
Below is an example of a clear, concise introduction template that you can customize for each founder:
Hi Emmy (the founder),
It’s great to connect! Here’s a quick intro to give you some background on me: [Insert LinkedIn link]
For the past 10 years, I’ve led Product at [Successful startups], helping [one of them] scale from $1M to $10M in ARR and guiding [another] to a successful IPO.
I specialize in customer interviews, product-led growth (PLG), hiring product talent, and building product roadmaps. I love working with founders to help building out their product teams from the ground up.
Over the last 3 years, I’ve invested in 5 startups, including [similar companies to yours]. One of them was recently acquired [link to relevant article].
I’d love to hear more about what you’re building and explore how I might be able to help.
Best,
Darin
Keep It Short and Relevant
Founders are busy, and long-winded introductions often get skimmed over. Instead, stick to 2-3 key points that showcase what makes you uniquely valuable to them. Highlight relevant investments and key roles you’ve played in past successes, reinforcing your experience as both an investor and operator.
Always Introduce Yourself—Even in Warm Intros
Even if a founder has been pre-introduced to you or has done their research, a brief, thoughtful introduction can go a long way. It shows that you’re thorough, professional, and respectful of their time. And even if the founder is eager for your investment, taking the time to introduce yourself properly can set the tone for a more fruitful partnership and, potentially, better investment terms.
Standardize for Efficiency
Having a templated introduction ready for email, LinkedIn, or even text saves you time. It allows you to be consistent and clear with every founder you meet, streamlining initial calls. With the key points already covered in your intro, your first conversation can be focused more on the founder and the opportunity at hand, rather than spending valuable minutes on your own background.
By keeping your introduction concise, relevant, and easy to customize, you set the stage for a productive conversation and show founders you’re not just another investor—you’re someone who brings real value.
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