Get Investors to Notice You (In 2025)

Get Investors to Notice You (In 2025)

Author: Burak Buyukdemir January 10, 2025 Duration: 58:24

In this week's post, we're diving into the crucial topic of attracting investors, with insights from a true expert. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Ed Kang, a seasoned startup advisor and investor, who brings a wealth of experience to the table. Ed's worked with hundreds of startups, and he's seen firsthand what works and what doesn't when it comes to fundraising.

This episode focused on practical, actionable strategies to help founders navigate the complexities of investor outreach, especially as we look towards 2025. We covered everything from crafting effective cold emails to building long-term relationships.

Ready to get started? Let's dive in:

Cold Emails That Work

* Keep them short: Five sentences max.

* Include:

* Why you're reaching out

* The problem you're solving

* Your solution

* Your traction

* Your raise amount

* Match the investor type: Seed for seed, Series A for Series A.

Grab Their Attention

* Subject Lines: Make them pop and grab attention fast.

* Preview: The first line they see? Skip the fluff.

* Personal Touch: Angel investors? Get personal. VCs? Less crucial.

Smart Follow-Up & Relationships

* Follow Up: Once or twice, weeks later, with something new.

* Long-Term: Think relationship, not just money. Referrals matter.

* Be Honest: Share good and bad news, with solutions.

Smart Fundraising Strategy

* Bootstrap First: Build your product before raising funds.

* The "No Ask" Slide: Creates FOMO (fear of missing out).

* Network: Friends, family, then others.

Feedback & 2025 Trends

* Get Feedback: Ask for the hard truth.

* 2025: AI will be big, distribution is key.

* Cycles: Be ready for market trends and changes.

Bottom Line

Be smart, be honest, and build real relationships. That's how you win.



Get full access to Startup Istanbul at newsletter.startupistanbul.com/subscribe

Hosted by Burak Buyukdemir, the Startup Istanbul Podcast pulls back the curtain on the fast-moving world of new ventures and innovation. This isn't about abstract theories; it's a direct line to the people building, funding, and shaping the future. Each conversation goes beyond the polished success story, delving into the real challenges and pivotal decisions faced by founders and investors navigating markets across the globe. You'll hear firsthand accounts from entrepreneurs who have scaled their ideas and the experts who help them do it, offering practical insights you won't find in a textbook. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a private roundtable, where the focus is on actionable knowledge and honest reflection about what it truly takes to build something meaningful. For anyone curious about the mechanics of technology and business, these discussions provide an essential, grounded perspective on the global startup ecosystem. It’s where ambition meets experience, offering listeners a genuine understanding of the journey from concept to reality.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 64

Startup Istanbul Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Hindu spirituality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
In my recent episode of Startup Istanbul Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Manu Jain, co-founder and CEO of Vama App. Vama is an intriguing startup aiming to transform spirituality in India through a virtual te…
Beyond Silicon Valley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:32
In this episode, I'm talking with Allen Taylor from Endeavor Catalyst about the tough world of entrepreneurs in emerging markets. Allen brings 20+ years of experience and shares how these founders stand out with their re…
The View from Dubai [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:36
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Daniel Dos Reis, Investment Director at Wamda Capital, about startups and venture capital in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey.With over 15 years of experience spannin…
From Coffee Company to Supply Chain Solution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:12
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Bobby Katoli, co-founder and CEO of Ceres Technology, an AI-powered supply chain analytics platform. We discussed the origins of Ceres, the unique value proposition of their t…
The Final Foundry Fund [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:08
I had the pleasure of speaking with Seth Levine, co-founder of Foundry Group, on my podcast this week. Foundry made headlines recently when they announced their 2022 fund would be their last - closing up shop after 16 ve…
Rise of the Airship Drones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:53
I'm excited to announce that Seth Levine, partner and co-founder at Foundry Group, will be a guest on my podcast next week. If you have any questions you'd like me to ask him, please share them here. I'll make sure to in…
Humans and Robots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:03
I'm excited to have Seth Levine on my podcast next week. If you have any questions you'd like me to ask him, please share them here. I'll be sure to ask your questions during our conversation!Industrial automation is oft…
Only Paranoids Survive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Silicon Valley investor Marvin Liao on my podcast. Marvin has a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in the tech industry. He was an early team member at Yahoo, helped…
Don't Let Fear Hold You Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:41
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Alec Sorensen, co-founder and CEO of Tradespace, on my podcast. Alec has a fascinating background and shared insightful lessons from his experience building Tradespace. Here a…
Don't Think [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:55
I talked this week with Peter Vesterbacka, entrepreneur and founder from Finland known for building major brands like Angry Birds, Rovio and Slush.Taking action is critical for entrepreneurs according to him, as learning…