You're seeking investors for your startup. How can you make a lasting impression at a networking event?

Showcasing you have prepared to meet specifically someone will leave a long-lasting impression in everyone. If you can connect with them on a personal level even more and the key here is to be authentic. Of course how you look also plays a role, so I always tell my mentees to dress appropriately.

I deeply understand the importance of leaving a good impression at a networking event. Start by researching the background and interests of potential investors. This approach will start a genuine conversation and demonstrates how serious you’re about their perspectives. Since you'll definitely be asked about what you do, ensure you don't get caught off guard—craft and practice your pitch beforehand. A short and sweet pitch should cover the: . The Problem . Your solution . Market potential . Any achievements Bonus tip: Before the event, check out its previous editions. You'll get a real sense of what the event is all about.

I have been in both sides as an investor for a VC firms in early stages and as manager of fundraising CRM for StartUps. Preparation is key to execute objectives. First of all is to know the players of your preferences, in networking events there can be angel investors, LP´s and funds, friends, drinks and competition. This is work, not a social event, work need preparation and objectives, so know your objectives and key players that you have to reach. Secondly, knowing your goals and key players, search for their expertice, nobody likes being pitched something that is not in their thesis they are just waiting to say " sorry, that's not me, maybe those guys". Every interaction is a silver bullet because it last, so research and focus.

To make a lasting impression at a networking event while seeking investors for your startup, follow these strategies. First, prepare a strong elevator pitch that clearly explains what your startup does, the problem it solves, and its unique value proposition, aiming to capture interest within 30 seconds. Research potential investors attending the event to understand their investment interests, and tailor your pitch accordingly. Show genuine enthusiasm and passion for your startup, as investors are more likely to remember someone who is truly excited about their venture. Be clear about your vision for the future, outlining your long-term goals and how you plan to achieve them.

Here's how to do it: * Research investors: Know who's coming! Look them up beforehand to understand their interests and past investments. * Perfect your pitch: Craft a short (1 minute) and clear explanation of your startup's value and market potential. * Be prepared: Show you're serious by knowing your stuff. This builds trust with potential investors.

Being authentic in your interactions doesn't require you to be overly charismatic. It's more about understanding what truly interests investors—whether it's their passions, hobbies, or industry insights. Share your genuine opinions and actively engage in topics that resonate with both parties. By starting with common ground, you naturally warm up the conversation, paving the way for discussing business while leaving a memorable impression. This approach will build rapport but also demonstrates your sincerity and readiness to connect on a deeper level.

* Be yourself and show passion: Talk about your startup with genuine excitement, but avoid being pushy. * Listen actively: Pay close attention to their feedback and ask questions to show you value their opinion. * Build rapport: This conversation is a two-way street. Let them know you're interested in their perspective. * They're investing in you too: Show your personality and why you're the right person to lead this startup.

Authenticity is the ice breaker, generality is signing an early dead. The interaction has to be natural, do not rush from the stage to talk to them. They are tired. Find spaces that can help you get them interested in you. Reach them with a firm grip and present your self as a future master of cows. Something that gives identity to you and your business. Present yourself in a way that interacts whit them, not just a unilateral pitch. Ask them genuinly about their lives and there believes in the problem that you want to introduce. Authenticity marks the " Interesting Founder" in their minds. I call this a hook, and there are 3 in a pitch or interaction. Connect, comprehend and close. Find the magic on your identity and your brand.

Approach with a smile and tell the truth. Listen to what you are told and say "thank you". Doesn't matter if it is positive or negative feedback, whether they were respectful and attentive or not.

If you have a unique selling proposition, make sure to be able to explain it under one minute and emphasize on it. Make sure to understand what the person in front of you is looking for and exchange contacts. Then even if you are not the right person you can give value by connecting them with a better prospect for investment. The more value you give, you can be sure it will be given back.

- Nail your elevator pitch: Practice a concise and clear explanation of your startup, what problem it solves, and why it's different. - Highlight your unique edge: Focus on what sets you apart. Is it a groundbreaking technology, a creative business model, or a fresh approach to the market? - Be the disruption: Investors crave innovation. Show how your startup shakes things up in a positive way. - Leave a lasting memory: Make sure your conversation lingers in the investor's mind. Be passionate and articulate your unique selling proposition clearly.

Singularity is what we call in VC the ability to generate a monopoly. We find the right founders, teams, model business and roadmap to generate barriers in that market . Singularity is what make every investor rush. Begin and end with the ability of your team, every investor is investing in the founders. The product is going to change with every PMF. Help investors understand why you are the correct person to develop this unique problem, market and solution. The rest is going to be a change but your mentality is going to be the differential. Finally, they need to comprehend that you competition is not close to your model or that would be risky for them. Authenticity and expresing your authenticity is key to make yourself a catalyst.

* Follow up quickly: Don't wait! Send a message within a day or two. * Personalize your message: Mention something specific you discussed. * Show value: Briefly mention how you can connect them with someone or share a relevant resource. * Suggest next steps: Ask for a call to learn more about their interest in investing.

I'm against inmediate reach after an event. Normally a VC gets 100 One pager after an event, i prefer to reach one week after with a very personal intention. Ask if they remember you and repeat some discussion that you have had, invite them to a coffee and at the end ask if they want to see the deck or the one pager. Following with just a "hey, hope everything is good" is just not enough. Think that you want to make them fall in love with you and understand if you want them as a partner for at least 5 years. Make your self different every single time, and if they dont want to see your One pager jus task for joining the newsletter.

* Focus on offering value: Share industry insights, connect investors with opportunities, or solve their problems. * Show you're resourceful: Be prepared to help, not just take. * Build trust and credibility: Earn their respect before asking for investment.

Giving value means receiving value. This is the way to build longlisting relationships with trust and mutual benefit. Also make sure to understand what the other party needs in order to give something truly valuable for them.

Your social media profiles, how people greet you and react around you speak volumes about you. Make sure to have your LinkedIn up to date and at least 500 connections. Also foster good relationships with people. This will take time and its effects will be slower to show, but social proof from other people is one of the most powerful tools you can use.

Traction is the real heart of every business. So if you can show the expertize, experience and willingness to develop business you are a very good candidate. So this things are one of the key separators for most teams and for most startups. Try to express correctly how hard you ahve worked for every client and idea that you have had. Key hack, the roadmap begins in day one, no in first sale. We need to understand how good was your idea to execution path.

Find your champion. By that, I mean request that a coach, mentor, or peer speak you up to other people that are in the event. It's one thing when you are saying how great the work you're doing is, but it's another when someone you've worked with or who's advised you can do the same. Before the event, do your homework, see who's participating that you want to speak to, ask a mentor, advisor or coach to attend with you, and ask that they go speak with your targets about how awesome you are. I know it sounds a little cheeky, but it works :)

To make a lasting impression at a networking event when seeking investors for your startup: 1. Clearly articulate your startup's unique value proposition. 2. Demonstrate passion and confidence in your pitch. 3. Show traction or potential for growth. 4. Be prepared to answer questions about your market, competition, and business model. 5. Follow up promptly with interested investors after the event.