Notes from the talk on The Art of Successful Pitching by Vinit Bhansali on May 1, 2024 on the WTF Community.

<aside> 📎 Contributor: Shivshri Chincholkar

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**Vinit Bhansali is an industry veteran, with two successful exits and a wealth of experience as a seed investor. He's witnessed countless pitches, and he shared some absolute gems on how to make yours rise above the rest.**

⏰ Plan Ahead: Don't Be That Founder

Don't find yourself in a situation where you're desperately seeking funding at the last minute. VCs have an entire process, and it can be time-consuming. Even the speediest investors can take a couple of months, so plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to secure funding.

🕵️‍♀️ Research Your Investors Inside and Out

Do your due diligence and research potential investors thoroughly. Utilize VC databases and search engines to identify investors with deep expertise in your industry. Analyze their previous investments to ensure they're a good match for your startup.

🤜🤛 Leverage Your Network for Warm Introductions

While cold pitching via email or LinkedIn is perfectly acceptable, nothing beats a warm introduction from a mutual connection. If someone can vouch for you and connect you with an investor, you'll have a much better chance of getting your foot in the door.

💌 Be Concise and to the Point

Regardless of whether you're cold pitching or getting a warm intro, ensure your message is crystal clear and concise. If you can convey your point in 20 words instead of 4 paragraphs, go for it. Investors appreciate founders who can communicate effectively and efficiently.

🎯 Your First Pitch Has One Critical Objective

The sole purpose of your first pitch is to pique the investor's interest enough to secure a meeting or start a conversation. Focus on creating a compelling and engaging pitch that leaves them wanting to learn more about your startup.