Why Top Tier GPs Fundraise Every Day (And You Should Too)

Fundraising Is a 365-Day Game, Not a Sprint

🔄 Fundraising Is a 365-Day Game, Not a Sprint

Dear GPs,

If you’ve been treating fundraising as a task you tackle only when launching a new fund, it’s time to rethink your approach. The best and brightest in venture capital know that fundraising isn’t confined to a specific moment in time. It’s an ongoing process that demands constant attention, focus, and effort. Here’s the bottom line: Limited Partners (LPs) are the lifeline of your business. Without them, your carefully crafted investment thesis is just words on a pitch deck.

The smartest GPs out there weave relationship-building into the fabric of their everyday operations. They don’t just talk to LPs when they need money; they nurture those relationships year-round. Let's break down why fundraising should be a 365-day-a-year mindset and explore actionable strategies to make it part of your routine.

🤝 Always Be Connecting (ABC)

Networking isn’t just a skill; it’s an art form that the most successful GPs have mastered. The mantra “Always Be Connecting” should be embedded in every corner of your strategy. Here’s how you can strengthen your relationships with LPs consistently and authentically:

📨 Stay in Touch Beyond the Money Ask
Too often, GPs forget about LPs once a fund closes, resurfacing only to request support for the next round. This transactional mindset can erode trust and make LPs feel undervalued. Instead, send regular updates on your work, portfolio performance, market trends, or even the occasional personal milestone. Regular communication fosters trust and builds rapport.

🍽️Host Intimate Gatherings
Big events serve their purpose, but small, well-curated gatherings are where deeper connections happen. Share meaningful conversations over a dinner or a coffee invite. These moments go a long way in building loyalty and understanding LP priorities on a personal level.

📣Listen More Than You Pitch
Use your conversations with LPs to gain insight into their evolving needs. What are they looking for in emerging markets, sectors, or strategies? Show them that they’re a partner in your success, not just a checkbook.

✍️ Thought Leadership as a Relationship Bridge

Creating thought leadership content is one of the most underutilized yet powerful tools for staying top of mind with LPs. When done right, it positions you as a forward-thinking expert in your field, which strengthens trust and keeps LPs engaged between fund cycles.

📅Publish Regularly
Whether it’s a newsletter, LinkedIn post, or whitepaper, commit to sharing your unique insights on a consistent schedule. Talk about industry trends, the lessons you've learned as an investor, or how you're navigating today’s challenges.

🏆Highlight Portfolio Wins, Share Improvements
Write about your portfolio triumphs to show your ability to pick winners and bring them to scale—but don’t shy away from sharing lessons learned from deals that didn’t pan out. LPs appreciate transparency, and your ability to reflect critically often says more about you than your success stories do.

🫶Make It About Them
Tailor some content directly to LP concerns. For instance, what does AI’s rapid evolution mean for traditional sectors LPs care about? How should they think about ESG investments? Always connect your thought leadership to what matters to your audience.

🔍Start Thinking Like an LP 👇