Show Me You Know Me & I Will Show You The Money

Whether raising a new round as a founder or raising a new fund as a VC, Samantha McKenna 's “Show Me You Know Me” still rings true, if you hit on these 10 notes:

1. Personalize with Insight: Use specific, relevant knowledge about the LP or investor to connect meaningfully.
2. Reference Past Deals: Show awareness of LP's or investor’s past investments to prove you’re aligned with their interests.
3. Tailor Pitches to Needs: Align your proposal with the LP’s or investor’s unique goals, reducing generic pitch elements.
4. Build a Relationship: Demonstrate genuine interest in their vision beyond immediate funding needs.
5. Show Respect for Time: Be concise and direct, indicating you value their time by minimizing fluff in your pitch.
6. Research, Then Reach Out: Learn about the LP’s or investor’s network, industry presence, and priorities before initial contact.
7. Align Values: Identify and mention shared values or interests to foster trust and long-term partnership potential.
8. Follow-up Thoughtfully: Reference specifics from past conversations or meetings to keep the relationship authentic.
9. Deliver Real Value: Present opportunities that truly match their strategic goals, showing you understand their mission.
10. Stand Out by Listening: Reflect what you hear from them back into your proposal, showing you’re adaptable and attentive.