🚀 Most VCs Engage LPs the Wrong Way - Here's What Works

Stories & strategies for raising capital the right way.

If you’re a VC in fundraising mode, it's time to turn on the IR lighthouse—to raise capital the right way. 🏆 It’s a crowded market of 1,600 emerging managers today and many have the same pitch. Stand out and connect your thesis to current market realities, tell stories about why you started your firm to how you invested in your portcos, and share how your strategy and process leads to outsized results.

As a former Head of IR at a VC firm, I’ve been in the trenches. Back in 2023, while preparing for Fund V, I asked Mubadala a simple question:

👉 "How can we do better?"

The response? “Be a valuable resource. Don’t just call us when you’re raising.”

💡 Wake-up Call: ABC = Always Be Connecting.

Want to raise successfully? Always build transformational relationships.

🚀 The best fundraisers today build “Trust Before The Pitch” (TBT-P).

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💸 The 3 Biggest Fundraising Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

1️⃣ LPs Are More Selective Than Ever

🏛️ Institutional and family office investors are doubling down on existing relationships rather than taking bets on new funds.

🚫 Email deliverability is down.

🚫 LP inboxes are flooded.

🚫 Traditional conference meetups are losing effectiveness.

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📌 Solution: Ditch the Pitch.

Show up with:

🔥 Thought leadership (podcasts, reports, unique insights).

🔥 Warm introductions (leverage existing LP relationships and other IR people).

🔥 High-value content (give before you ask).

🔥 Explain how your unique approach translates to financial outcomes for LPs. Explain how your thesis is truly differentiated.

Be different. Be valuable.

💡 IR Pro-tip: I once built a relationship with a Pension by sending a message on LinkedIn.

The note said: “My friend works in IR at X company, I’ve heard great things about you and I’m interested in connecting.”

The result: “Here’s my cell, reach out when you’re back in California.”

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