Rules and Examples of Cold Outreach to Crypto VC Investors

Fundraising for web3 and crypto startups can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to connecting with the right investors. One of the most effective ways to get your foot in the door is through cold messaging. However, not all cold messages are created equal, and some may even hinder your chances of success.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of crafting engaging cold messages that can help you secure funding for your web3 startup. We'll share practical advice, show you what to avoid, and provide examples of cold email templates and social media messages that are more likely to get a response from crypto venture capital investors. We'll cover LinkedIn messaging for fundraising, crypto investor outreach via emails, and cold messaging on dedicated platforms like InnMind.com.

Let's dive in!

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The Art of Cold Emails for Crypto Investor Outreach

Many crypto investors prefer Twitter, Telegram, and Linkedin as their main communication platforms and consider the mailbox as a second priority. However, if you don't have other ways to connect with target investors, you can still use cold email outreach to present your startup. Here's how to craft a cold email that gets results:

❌ What NOT to do (bad practices):

Sending generic or templated emails without personalization
Making your email too long, difficult to read and exaggerated with details
Focusing solely on your needs and not addressing the investor's interests
Pushing hard on fundraising timing or other primitive direct FOMO tricks (aka "you have X days to decide before we close the round")

✅ Cold Email to Web3 Investor Example:

Subject: [Investor Name], we need your expertise and insights for our web3 startup

Hi [Investor Name],
I recently came across your [article or interview on a relevant topic], and I was impressed by your in-depth understanding of the crypto space, particularly your insights on [specific point from the source you link to].

My name is [Your Name], and I'm the founder of [Startup Name], a web3 startup focused on [brief description of your project]. We've developed a [unique feature or solution] that can solve [market problem you're solving]. I believe our project aligns perfectly with your investment interests, as demonstrated by your previous investments in [similar startups or industries].

I would be grateful for the opportunity to share our pitch deck and discuss how we could benefit from your expertise and network. If you're open to a conversation, please let me know, and I'd be happy to schedule a call at your convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards, [Your Name & Title] [Startup Name] [Your contact information]

Another good email example below is even more straightforward and includes your startup's highlights with the strongest factors for investors' decision-making: traction, team, existing investors, etc.

Hi [Investor Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I'm the founder of [Startup Name], a web3 startup focused on [brief one-line description of your project]. We've developed a [unique feature or solution] that has the potential to [impact or disrupt a specific niche].

[insert the link to a 1-min explainer video, 1-pager, or an article about your startup]

Our traction: MVP ready, $XXX [add revenue figures or transactions], XXX users. Growing X% month-over-month.

[👆If you lack these numbers, you can mention impressive partnerships, media features, MOUs, etc.]

Our team: [include names, and very short experience highlights of the founding team members, with links to their LinkedIn profiles].

Our raise: $XXX on $X valuation. We have [VC name] as our lead investor, and [mane other confirmed VCs on captable] joining the round. We're raising capital to accelerate growth and [include the milestones for this round of fundraising].

Considering your previous investments in [similar startups or industries], I believe our project aligns perfectly with your investment interests.

Let me know if you're interested to look through our pitch deck and discuss [Startup Name] numbers and plans in detail during a call. If you're open to a conversation, please let me know, and I'd be happy to schedule a call at your convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards, [Your Name & Title] [Startup Name] [Your contact information]

Cold LinkedIn Messaging for Crypto Fundraising and Networking

LinkedIn can be a powerful platform for connecting with crypto VC investors (especially if you've invested time and effort to create a compelling profile and build a solid network in your industry, which we highly recommend you to do anyway!). Here's how to make your cold LinkedIn message to investors more compelling:

❌ What NOT to do (bad practices):

Sending connection requests without a personalized message
Starting conversation "from far away", not going straight to the point
Focusing on your needs rather than the investor's interests
Being overly formal or salesy in your messaging

✅ Cold LinkedIn Message Example for Crypto VC Networking:

Hi [Investor Name],
I came across your profile while researching top investors in the crypto space, and I noticed your impressive track record with [similar startups or industries]. As the founder of [Startup Name], a web3 startup that [brief description of your project], I believe our project could align well with your investment interests.

We've developed a [unique feature or solution] that is solving [briefly describe the main problem you solve], and I'd love to discuss how we could work together. Would you be interested to receive our deck and make a brief call to explore this further?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards, [Your Name]

You can also use a shorter version of cold linkedin connection invitation message:

Hi [Investor Name],
I noticed your investments in [similar startups] and believe our startup is a good match for your portfolio. I'm [Your Name], founder of [Startup Name], [brief description]. We're raising [Funding Round] and I'd love to present it to you. Let's connect?

Cold Messaging to Crypto VC Investors on InnMind.com

InnMind is a dedicated deal-origination platform for web3 startups and VCs, where registered startup founders can find matches among many web3-focused VC investors and message selected venture capitalists directly on the platform. Here's how to craft a persuasive message on the platform:

❌ What NOT to do (bad practices):

Sending messages that are too long and lack focus
Focusing solely on your startup without considering the investor's preferences
Overhyping your project or making unrealistic claims

✅ Example of Cold Messaging to investors on InnMind for Higher Conversions:

Hi [Investor Name],

Your investor profile and impressive portfolio in the web3 and crypto space caught my attention.

My name is [Your Name], and I'm the founder of [Startup Name], a web3 startup that focuses on [brief description of your project]. We have developed a [unique feature or solution] with the potential to [impact or disrupt a specific niche]. Based on your investment preferences, I believe our project could be a great fit for your portfolio.

Here is our startup profile [your company profile link]. Would you be interested in reviewing our pitch deck and discussing the possibility of working together? If so, please let me know, and I'd be happy to send it over and schedule a call at your convenience.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response.

Best regards, [Your Name] [Startup Name]

Crafting effective cold messages is essential for securing funding for your web3 and crypto startup. By avoiding common pitfalls and focusing on personalization, value, and investor interests, you can increase your chances of receiving a positive response and building meaningful connections with potential investors.

Remember, the key to successful cold messaging is to be genuine, engaging, and respectful of the investor's time. With the right approach, you can stand out from the crowd and pave the way for a fruitful partnership that helps your startup thrive in the competitive web3 and crypto landscape.

Now that you're armed with practical advice and examples, it's time to put these strategies into action and start connecting with crypto VC investors. And if you want to x5 the efficiency of your investors' outreach and pitch to multiple VC funds at a time, you should consider presenting your startup on dedicated crypto VC pitching sessions.

Good luck on your fundraising journey!