Every week, I get a couple of emails from individuals seeking an investment in their startup company. The sender doesn’t know me from Adam, they are just lobbing it in, since I am on some sucker list of dummies who have done this in the past.
Now to the nub of the problem: 87.5 percent of these emails tell me that they are sliced bread, have the only solution in the world to the problem, that they are growing at 2,389 percent week over week – and finally “mind if I send over our deck?”
Harry, founder & CEO
No phone number
So I write back to Harry and tell him the following: In general when asking for an investment, including a phone number is always a good idea.
Now it gets interesting. He writes back and calls me an arrogant, condescending prick. He says that by asking for a phone number, I am shifting the balance of power thinking that I can set the timeline, and that my wanting to call him (Harry) “out of the blue, without scheduling beforehand shows that you think your time is more valuable than mine. “
Harry ends with “best of luck” — and still no phone number.
Wow. I love this.
Let me make clear that every email from me to almost everyone has my name, address, email, office and cell phone. If you wish to get back to me, I want to make it easy. I am not going to make you hunt and figure out how to contact me.
If you want an answer, put a signature block. Especially if you are asking me to write a check.
Look, I still have a land line in my house (no, it is not a rotary dial) and also in my office. OK, now let’s see what the rest of the world thinks of my old-fashioned way to connect.
I am currently the CEO of a tiny AI company so this should be a no brainer. First, I contact ChatGPT and ask their opinion on the issue.
Their answer: “When contacting a potential investor, it is generally best to provide the means of contact. While including your cell phone can be appropriate, consider if your voice mail sounds professional.
Also, providing a direct line like your cell phone can make it easier for investors to reach you quickly.”
OK, I will call that a split decision. Next up — Gemini.
“It is generally not recommended to include your cell phone at the bottom of an email to a venture capitalist (VC) when seeking investment. A cell phone can come across as less professional. Your goal is to get a meeting, your cell phone might distract from that objective.”
Huh. You must be kidding. No distraction. My style is simple. If I am intrigued, I pick up the phone. However, in fairness, I try to be polite, my first words are always “Is this a good time for you?”
What I have learned is that the person on the other end is so surprised to actually hear from anyone of the 239 blind emails they sent out that they always say. “This is a perfect time.” Even if they are in the shower. After all, you want money, the conditioner can wait.
OK, one more shot on goal. LeChat-Mistral AI.
“Yes, it is generally a good idea to include your contact information, including your cell phone number in the signature block to a venture capitalist. This will make it easy for them to get in touch with you. You may also want to include all your other relevant contact information. This will ensure that the investor has multiple ways to reach you (or ignore you) and choose the way that is most convenient for them.”
Alright, as they say at the poker table, read ‘em and weep.
I will concede that the issue of communication can be fraught with complexity. You can add your identifying language, you can end with a phrase from the Bible or a joke from Seinfeld. But the basic goal is simple.
You sent me something, hoping I will read it and in some semi-rational way, interact with you. It’s not about privacy or political power. It’s about communication. Make it easy. Who are you?
Rule No. 815: “Watson, come here. I want to see you.”
Senturia is a serial entrepreneur who invests in startups. Please email ideas to [email protected].
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