TL;DR
Follow up promptly after an investor meeting by sending a detailed email that includes the pitch deck, answers to any questions, and any requested materials. This demonstrates your commitment and helps maintain open communication.
Introduction
Having a successful investor meeting is only the first step towards securing funding. What comes next is equally important: the follow-up. Following up after an investor meeting can set the tone for future interactions and significantly impact your chances of success. This blog will guide you through an effective follow-up strategy that includes sending a well-crafted email, addressing key points, and keeping the conversation going.
Why Follow-Up Matters
Investors hear many pitches and can easily forget details if not reminded promptly. A timely follow-up helps keep your project fresh in their minds. More importantly, it shows your professionalism and dedication. A well-constructed email can address any unanswered questions and demonstrate that you’re on top of things.
Failing to follow up can leave investors wondering if you’re truly committed to your venture. On the other hand, a thoughtful email can clarify any doubts, address concerns, and offer additional information that could sway their decision in your favor. The ultimate goal is to leave a positive impression and keep the conversation going.
When to Send the Follow-Up Email
The timing of your follow-up email is crucial. Sending it on the same day as the meeting is highly recommended. This ensures that your pitch is still fresh in the investor’s mind. Waiting too long could mean your email gets lost in their inbox or, worse, that they forget about your meeting altogether.
If you can’t send the follow-up email on the same day, aim to send it within 24 hours. A prompt follow-up shows eagerness and attentiveness, qualities investors look for in entrepreneurs.
Crafting the Follow-Up Email
Creating an effective follow-up email involves more than just sending a “thank you” note. Your email should be detailed, organized, and focused. Here are the key elements to include:
1. Thank Them for Their Time
Start by expressing your gratitude. A simple “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today” goes a long way in setting a positive tone for the rest of the email.
2. Recap the Meeting
Briefly summarize the main points discussed in the meeting. Highlight key aspects of your pitch and any significant takeaways. This helps reinforce your message and reminds the investor of the points they found most compelling.
3. Attach the Pitch Deck
Include the deck you used during the presentation. Investors may want to revisit certain slides to refresh their memory or to share with colleagues. Attaching it as a PDF is a good approach, or you could use a platform like Docsend.
4. Answer Outstanding Questions
If there were any questions raised during the meeting that you couldn’t answer right away, now is the time to address them. Providing clear, concise answers shows your attention to detail and commitment to transparency.
5. Provide Requested Materials
If the investor asked for additional information or documents, make sure to include those in your email. This could be market research, financial projections, or any other relevant material they requested.
6. Suggest Next Steps
End your email by suggesting a clear next step. This could be scheduling a follow-up meeting, discussing specific details, or providing additional data. Offering a way forward shows initiative and keeps the momentum going.
Sample Follow-Up Email
Below is a hypothetical but plausible example of a follow-up email:
Subject: Follow-Up: [Your Startup Name] Meeting Recap and Next Steps Hi [Investor’s Name], Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I truly appreciate your insights and the opportunity to discuss [Your Startup Name]. To recap our conversation, we covered the following main points: - [Highlight 1] - [Highlight 2] - [Highlight 3] As requested, I have attached the pitch deck we reviewed during the meeting. Additionally, please find enclosed [any additional materials requested]. In response to your questions about [specific topic], here are the details: - [Question 1] – [Answer] - [Question 2] – [Answer] I would be delighted to continue our conversation and explore potential collaboration. Could we schedule a follow-up meeting next week to discuss this further? Thank you once again for your time and consideration. Looking forward to your feedback. Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Have I clearly addressed all the questions raised during the investor meeting?
- Did I send the follow-up email within the recommended time frame?
- Is my pitch deck and other attached materials comprehensive and easy to understand?
- Have I suggested actionable next steps to keep the conversation moving forward?
Moving Forward
The importance of a timely and well-structured follow-up email after an investor meeting cannot be overstated. By following these guidelines, you can demonstrate your professionalism, reinforce key points from your pitch, and provide additional information that may influence the investor’s decision.
Take the time to ensure your follow-up email is thorough and considerate. This step can significantly enhance your chances of securing the funding your startup needs. Good luck!
