Warm introductions can open doors, but only if you use them the right way. Too many early-stage founders ask for investor intros before they know whether that investor is actually a fit, which can lead to awkward asks, weak pitches, and getting ghosted. In this episode, Jayla breaks down the research you need to do before asking for an introduction to an angel investor, so you can protect your relationships, show up prepared, and increase the chances that the intro actually leads somewhere.

You'll learn:

Why warm introductions are valuable social capital, and why you should not waste them
Why paying for investor introductions is usually a red flag
How to figure out whether an angel investor actually invests at your stage
What to look for in their industry, business model, and check-size preferences
Why you need to research their existing investments and potential competitors
How to identify the strongest introduction path, not just the most obvious one
What to say when asking for the intro so the person making it feels confident saying yes

Before you ask someone to open up their network, make sure you've done the work. A thoughtful, well-researched ask will always be more effective than a random "Can you introduce me?" message.

Have questions specific to your situation?

Join Jayla's FREE monthly Seed Money Office Hours call to ask your real funding questions and get more clarity on funding strategy, investor materials, pitching, finding investors, and how to close.

Save your spot: https://seedmoney.mysamcart.com/office-hours

About Your Host

Jayla Siciliano is an entrepreneur with 25+ years in consumer brands, product, and marketing. After raising her first angel round against all odds and later appearing on Shark Tank, where she closed a deal with Mark Cuban, she now helps founders become fundable, confident, and ready to attract the right investors. Entrepreneurship changed her life, and she's on a mission to help first-time founders raise their first round of angel funding and change theirs too.

Disclaimer

The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.