Here's how you can navigate the dos and don'ts of networking in Venture Capital.

Networking, in VC or elsewhere, is about a genuine desire to find value to both sides of a conversation. Ask what your counterpart brings to the table, share what you bring, and leave with a semi-philosophical commitment to find and explore common areas of interest. No immediate transaction required. No neediness. No sales of purple cows. Both sides understanding their value and their walk-away points. Networking with respect. If one creates true value - in product, in skillset, in capability - the demand will find them. No matter where, no matter how, but people will get to know and come to talk to you.

Controversial view but don’t waste time with VCs who have not been founders themselves or been accountable for running divisions of businesses before. Being a VC gives you a certain illusion of greatness - everyone wants to be your friend and meet you - but it’s often just because of your role. Such individuals often do not understand the actual challenges of a founder. And immediately run away from folks who have only been a VC their entire life.

Here are some key dos and don’ts: Do’s: Do Your Homework: Research potential contacts and firms thoroughly before approaching them. Be Authentic: Build genuine relationships rather than just looking for quick gains. Offer Value: Share insights, offer help, and provide value to your network. Follow Up: Maintain communication and show continued interest. Attend Events: Join industry conferences, workshops, and networking events. Don’ts: Don’t Be Pushy: Avoid being overly aggressive or impatient. Don’t Ask for Money Immediately: Focus on building a relationship first. Don’t Ignore Junior Contacts: Junior staff often grow into decision-making roles. Don’t Forget to Listen: Pay attention to others' needs and interests.

Navigating the dos and don'ts of networking in VC requires genuine relationship building. Do your research to understand the focus areas of the VC firms or individuals you're networking with, and offer insights or assistance to provide value. Always follow up after meeting someone to keep the connection alive. However, avoid being overly aggressive or asking for too much too soon, as this can be off-putting. The VC community is small, so maintain professionalism at all times to avoid burning bridges.

Articulate what distinguishes you, whether it's niche market expertise, innovative products, or a proven track record. This clarity not only elucidates potential benefits for collaborators but also bolsters your confidence in engaging with investors or partners. For instance, suppose you're networking with potential investors for your startup. Instead of simply pitching your idea, highlight your unique selling points—be it your deep understanding of the target market, the disruptive nature of your product, or your team's exceptional execution skills. This focused approach not only captivates attention but also instills trust in your ability to deliver results.

Clearly articulate your unique value proposition. Understand your strengths and how you can contribute to the VC ecosystem. Confidence in your value helps others see the benefits of connecting with you.

Você pode apoiar o ambiente de venture capital de diversas formas, sendo o conceito de give first (doar primeiro) e give back (devolver) constantemente percebido em inúmeras ações. Muitos empreendedores após a venda da sua startup acabam se tornando mentores ou investidores, o mesmo acontece com empresária bem sucedidos, que mesmo embora não tenham vendido suas empresas, entendem o valor de apoiar o empreendedorismo, pelo impacto na geração de emprego e renda. Concluindo, não perca a oportunidade de mostrar valor apoiando iniciativas, gere conexões genuínas, pois o ambiente saberá aproveitar melhor suas competências. Tenha certeza que volta, e que diversas oportunidades positivas serão geradas para você a partir destas conexões.

As networking is not just about the number of people you know but rather about the meaningful connections and qualitative activity within your network, it is important to think about your own positioning. What distinguishes you from other VC investors and why people should come to you to pitch their idea or to ask for advice or an intro? As nobody can be an expert for everything, the most common approach is to become a thought leader in a certain segment of venture capital. For example you focus on a specific investment stage and ideally also on a few selected industries, such as HealthTech or FinTech. Within this area, you should engage with content and be present at relevant events, so that people connect you with this topic.

This is something that every VC continues to build over time as returns mature and companies begin to exit the portfolio. As an emerging manager, our value proposition lay in our approach to investing, our strategy for acquiring deal flow and methods for vetting these opportunities.

This is the great not-so-secret secret that is curiously not followed by 90% of people. Follow up. Just do it and you’ll be amazed at the results

Always follow up after initial meetings or conversations. Send a thank-you note or share relevant information. Consistent follow-up demonstrates your professionalism and commitment to building a strong network.

After initial contact, send a personalized message reaffirming the discussion's value and expressing a desire for continued engagement. This gesture, whether via email or LinkedIn, reinforces professionalism and underscores your commitment to nurturing meaningful connections. For instance, imagine attending a networking event where you meet a potential collaborator. Following the interaction, promptly send a follow-up email expressing gratitude for the insightful conversation and proposing a follow-up meeting to delve deeper into potential synergies. This proactive approach not only maintains momentum but also cultivates a lasting network founded on mutual respect and reciprocity.

Following up is absolutely key. Only do as many outreaches you can keep up with following up and get to "no" fast. But then don't drop the ball - many times timelines don't match but 2-3 years down the line do. Its a long term game. LPs are looking for 10-20 year relationships.

Importantly, follow up appropriately, don't get a contact and bombard them. Understand that genuine follow-up is fine and also that people get busy, keep people informed but no need to badger them. As with all things, it takes effort to follow up but make sure it is rel and focused on how to build a relationship not bombard with noise and a push to try and close a round.

Do business the same way you would conduct yourself in a tribe. Provide value to others first before asking for value. I have found that by being consistently reliable and not over promising or being too flashy, eventually business flows to those who are solid and reliable.

Despite the hectic and unpredictable nature of our work, I do my best to be helpful to those who are also charting their own path. I never received guidance (outside of my mentors) in spite of my attempts to build rapport. That was during the earliest days of Erez Capital. When you find the right partners- do what you can to make the industry more equitable.

Be proactive in offering assistance or resources to your contacts. Whether it’s making introductions, sharing insights, or providing support, showing willingness to help strengthens your relationships and fosters goodwill.

The basic principle of networking is that you should always try to provide value for other people without expecting any gain for yourself. This will help to build trusted relationships and increase your network both in quantity and quality. There are many ways to support people and provide value for the venture capital community: 1. connect people with intros to relevant contacts and ideally create win-win-scenarios 2. offer mentorship for individuals or programs such as accelerators 3. provide free content / advice for your areas of expertise

What goes around comes around and pay it forward. Social Capital is valuable currency so use it wisely. Plus reputation is one of your most valuable assets.

Keep up-to-date with industry trends and developments. Being knowledgeable allows you to engage in informed discussions and provide valuable insights, making you a more attractive and respected network contact.

A large part of networking is helping others, without expectation of anything in return. Founders keep pace with rapidly developing industries. As such, practical and easily implementable advice is key to their success, (stay away from the abstract). For example, if an early stage company has not implemented payroll or accounting, provide them with affordable third-party options to implement these in their companies. The result will be their solving important (but easily solved) issues without their losing time and focus on the their most important issues. They will appreciate that.

This is table stakes if you're going to operate in this ecosystem. Use LinkedIn judiciously to show that you're an expert in your niche.

Life long learner, assim me defino, eterno aprendiz. Esteja em constante evolução e contribua para o desenvolvimento de outras pessoas também. Quanto mais você apoiar o seu ecossistema, mais evidente ficará o quanto você poderá contribuir para o desenvolvimento dele, ajudando as pessoas a entenderem o seu valor, apoiando a construção de sua autoridade inclusive. Hoje, colho de certa forma os frutos disso. Sou convidado para participar como palestrante em diversos eventos de inovação, não por que tenha planejado isso, mas sim por toda contribuição para o ambiente de empreendedorismo, seja como investidor anjo, apoiando com mentorias em programas de aceleração e conexões. Isso não seria possível sem ter trilhado uma longa jornada.

The time investment can sometimes be very high without immediate results, leading to lengthy conversations without apparent effect. However, good things take time, and one must accept these challenges if they truly wish to achieve something greater. Patience and perseverance are key in navigating the complexities of venture capital networking and ultimately driving meaningful progress.

As much as follow-up is important to maintaining momentum, constant outreach can turn off a newly made contact. Gauge the most effective cadence based on actionability, and use your EQ to know when to pump the brakes rather than push for another call.

Building a solid network takes time. Avoid being overly aggressive or expecting immediate returns. Patience and persistence are key to developing meaningful connections that will benefit you in the long run.

Tudo na vida passa por um ciclo de experiências e aprendizagem. Lembre-se de quando você era jovem e começou a jogar futebol ou vôlei. Você não era o melhor do time no primeiro jogo, mas tudo aquilo que se dedicou com afinco, foi melhorando dia após dia. Isso fez você evoluir e provavelmente até ser disputado em algum momento, teus colegas brigando por sua presença em um dos times. Se não foi nos esportes, pare para pensar, em alguma atividade foi se destacou e foi muito melhor que os outros. O exemplo serve para vc construir a mesma relação no ecossistema de inovação. Lembre-se de que, quem não é visto não é lembrado e esteja sempre em constante evolução apoiando o seu ambiente. O reconhecimento será consequência natural.

VCs are looking for profitable investments.Even if you are unsuccessful in the first few deals you have brought them. Keep bringing them opportunities . Obviously, research what they are looking for and try to meet with the VC’s decision maker or a less senior member of the firm to find out what went wrong and to further understand their needs as those needs evolve with the firm.

Having a vision, design a strategy you can deploy quickly at the right time. Being the starting block ready to adapt for upcoming market opportunities

Do not over promise. Sometimes can be tempting to say you can help because of your unique perspective may lead to possible connections but sometimes your views don't match the other side. So keep it simple, connect the dots but don't over promise

Don't ask for a referral from a VC who passed on your fundraise, why? - The 1st question they'll ask is "why did you pass?" - You're starting from a position of lower leverage - Odds will be better if you do cold outreach - The current VC likely will not want to do a favor Start fresh, understand it takes 100+ NOs before you get a yes, but get there yourself and you'll be better off in the long run

Understand your ecosystem and research potential VC investors carefully before contacting them. Check their mandate, what they have invested and the vintage of their fund (ie are they in exit mode and have no dry powder?). If they only invest in Francophone Africa, or only in biotech, don't send them a telecomms play in Kenya - that's disrespectful of their time & mandate, and it exposes your naïvety (investors are seeking smart entrepreneurs, not thick ones).

Respect others' time and boundaries. Understand that everyone has different priorities and commitments. Being considerate and respectful enhances your reputation and makes others more willing to engage with you.

The number one thing to know before you seek funding from any outside investor is what their investment thesis is. This tells you the types of companies and products which align with their goals and philosophies. Since a fund's investment thesis doesn't change, look to build relationships with VCs whose investment thesis supports and aligns with your company mission.