How to Find Investors
A practical, step-by-step way to find the right investors for your business and get a reply.
Most founders who struggle to raise money are not short of investors; they are talking to the wrong ones, or saying too much too soon. The fastest route is a short list of investors who already fund businesses like yours, and a clear, specific first message.
1. Decide what kind of money you need
- Angel investors: early-stage companies, smaller amounts, often the first outside money
- Venture capital: companies that can grow very large very fast
- Private equity: established, profitable companies
- Private lenders and loans: when you can repay from cash flow or an asset, and want to keep ownership
2. Build a target list
Look for investors whose stated stage, industry, location and cheque size match your raise. The PitchStreet I Have Money directory shows those details on each listing, so you can filter before you reach out. Aim for 30 to 50 good matches rather than hundreds of random names.
3. Prepare before you send anything
- A two-sentence description of the business
- Your traction so far, in numbers
- How much you are raising and what it pays for
- A short pitch deck, ready to share when asked
4. Write a short first message
Five or six sentences: what you do, who it is for, your best proof point, the amount, and why this investor in particular. Ask for a short call. Personal, specific messages get far more replies than long, generic ones.
5. Follow up and keep records
Follow up once or twice, a week or so apart. Track every conversation, and send your warm contacts a short monthly update; investors often say yes on the second or third time they hear from you.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find investors for free?
Your own network, local angel groups, startup events, university and government programs, and online investor networks. On PitchStreet, creating a profile and posting your pitch is free. Sending and reading messages needs a Paid Member plan.
How many investors should I contact?
Enough to run a real process: commonly 30 to 50 well-matched investors for an early round, contacted over a few weeks.
Should I send my pitch deck in the first email?
A short message with a link or an offer to share the deck usually works better than a large attachment. Some investors prefer the deck up front, so check their stated preference.
Do investors sign NDAs?
Most professional investors will not sign an NDA at the first meeting. Share enough to show the opportunity and keep truly secret details for later, under agreement if needed.
Related guides
This guide is general information, not investment, legal or tax advice. Directory figures update automatically. PitchStreet is a network that connects people who need capital with people who have it; it is not a lender, broker or investment adviser.