Answer
To build a target list of pre-seed investors who invest in your space, focus on quality over quantity, aiming for 50-100 highly qualified investors [1, 2, 4, 8].
Here's how:
* **Utilize Databases** Use Crunchbase (Pro subscription is recommended), AngelList, and PitchBook to find investors who have recently funded companies in your space and at your stage [1, 2, 5, 6]. Look for investors in your direct and indirect competitors [1].
* **Analyze VC Firm Websites & Portfolios** Visit the websites of VC firms that invest at your stage (pre-seed) and examine their portfolios [1, 2]. Ensure your company aligns with their existing investments [1].
* **Identify Specific Partners** Don't just look at firms; identify the specific partners who make investments in your space. Check their personal portfolios for companies similar to yours [6].
* **Read Investor Blogs and Social Media** Follow investor blogs (e.g., Fred Wilson, Mark Suster) to understand their investment theses [1]. Check investors' Twitter, blog posts, or podcast interviews for public interest in your space [3].
* **Verify Fit Criteria** For each potential investor, confirm:
* **Thesis-Market Fit:** Do they invest in your industry (e.g., fintech, B2B SaaS, climate tech)? [3, 8]
* **Stage Fit:** Do they write checks for your current pre-seed stage? [3, 4, 5, 8]
* **Check Size Fit:** Does their typical check size align with your fundraising target? [3, 4, 8]
* **Portfolio Overlap:** Have they invested in adjacent, non-competitive companies, rather than direct competitors? [3, 8]
* **Track Your List** Create a spreadsheet (Google Sheets or Airtable) to track investor names, firms, roles, thesis fit (score 1-5), LinkedIn URLs, potential intro paths, and status [2, 3, 4, 8].
