Funding Win in 15 Minutes

No cold pitching. Yes to hot matching. Here's how 🎯

Neesha Mirchandani

Nov 08, 2024

Dear Impact Star,

This has been quite a week, hasn’t it?

So I asked myself — is there something I can give you today to end the week strong?

This morning, I stumbled across this 2 min 15 sec performance by Maya Angelou.

(loved all of it… except for the oil wells gushing in her living room).

It flipped a switch for me reminding me of a simple 15 minute funding win that most innovators overlook.

🚀 Go where the money's already flowing.

Why? Because these funders already:

Care about the problem
Understand the space
Have decided to invest financially

Example: Someone funds a coral reef project = They'll likely fund another one — especially if it’s complementary to the one they already funded.

An investor that backs AI startups = They'll back more AI startups because they follow the space and understand it.

Your 15-Minute Activity (If You’re Up For It):

Find ONE funder who’s put money in your space (preferably at your stage).
DM them: "Hi [name], saw you backed [name of the organization they invested in]. We're building [your thing] which solves [similar or related problem] but [your key difference]. Would you be open to seeing our deck? I’d value your advice." Use AI to help you craft your message based on my template above. Keep it short and sweet.

That's it.

🏆 BONUS: If you decide you want to take action on this 15 minute activity to move your fundraising forward, leave a comment on Substack by clicking the link below. I’ll hold you to it, and help you think through it.

INNOVATOR SCOUTING

Investors & Philanthropists: Tell me what you're looking for. I'll only send you the innovators you’re looking for.

Stay anonymous if you want till you’re ready to take the next step.

Hit reply to this email to get started.

If you need to take a break, and give yourself grace this week, listen to your gut.

It knows!

Warmest,

Neesha

P.S. I’ll be in the Bay Area between November 25 - 30. May have time for some in-person meetings, let’s see? Reply if you’re around, and I’ll keep you posted. I’ll be meeting Dave Witzel, for sure!

P.S. Our Accountability Bubble is in its first week… Thank you to those who joined me. If you still want to join, you’re still welcome to do so. Reply, “I’m in” and I’ll send you the payment link.