Community Engagement
The second track to getting in front of RVC investors is to engage with the community first, then apply to pitch. This is the preferred method, since investors rarely invest based on a five minute pitch alone. Companies who engage with angels and build relationships first are the ones who are likely to be more successful.
Hyperlink to More Engagement
How else do you engage?
RVC has many engagement opportunities. All of our events are based around networking and provide time to get to know angels on an individual basis rather than just an anonymous crowd. Monthly pitch events and conferences are typically comprised of 40%+ angel investors, so almost one in two people you meet will be investors.
Also, our classes and workshops are open to angels and startups alike. Working through term sheets or valuations together with angel investors is a great way to build relationships. Also, it’s great to go through the same training that angels do, so you have a common understanding of how deals should be structured and a common vocabulary around valuations, exit strategies, etc.
Finally, volunteering is a good way to get involved. Many angels volunteer their time as mentors or for helping out at events in many ways. Working together on a committee is a good way to build relationships.
Another Link to More Engagement