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Comment by justin | Hacker News Reader

Hello HN! Justin (the author) here. We launched our new Atrium blog as a resource to the startup community. Happy to answer any questions about VC intros here.

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Curious if you can expand on the associates bit for when you dont have an in with an associate.

Its always seemed that (generally speaking) most VCs with associates say you should talk to associates, and those seen as more “founder friendly” (i.e YC partners) or with no associates themselves say don’t waste your time.

Also, if you get an intro to a partner and get pushed to an associate how do you handle it? Should you still take the meeting? Seems like that’s a pretty strong negative initial signal but you don’t want to burn bridges either.

Generally meeting with an associate means an extra gatekeeper to convince so that’s why people suggest talking only with partners.

If you get pushed to an associate from a partner though it’s hard to go back and demand the meeting with the partner. If you have limited options, you should take the associate meeting.

FWIW our first round for Justin.tv started with an associate conversation.

> meeting with an associate means an extra gatekeeper to convince

The associate is the one talking with all the other companies in your space and the related spaces, so if you cultivate good relationships with them then they're your eyes and ears on the industry.

Speaking from personal experience, for first time founders rasing early rounds I would actually recommend going through an associate as you likely have no idea what you are doing and associates have more time and patience to hand-hold you through the process and prepare you for the partner meeting. You only get one shot with the decision makers and if you have no previous experience you are almost certain to blow it even if you have read every piece of advice on the internet.

Sure if you are Justin Kan you don't want to bother with another gatekeeper but if you are not then convincing the gatekeeper may actually prepare you to convince the decision maker.

Any comments on hoi's top comment?

> It's an extroverts world. What are the best channels for introverts? How many potential start ups have never been funded because the founder(s) didn't have the networking skills that are natural to extroverts?

Hi Justin.

Any thoughts on building relationships early with investors before you’re ready to take an investment?

Seems to be split opinions between “yes, it’s great because you’re not putting too much pressure to invest on the VC” to “It’s not great to waste someone’s time”.

Would love your thoughts! Thanks!

Really random question - what's the difference between a seed fund and an early-stage VC?

Great article. I like helping people but hate when it’s not a double opt-in.

Any suggestion when VCs don't answer the intro?

You can send a gentle ping but it’s not likely to have a high conversion rate. After one reminder I’d stop trying.

I usually send a modification of this below, as I find it to be perfect balance between almost being rude by calling lack of their professional courtesy, but still nice enough, that actually people always get to respond:

Hi Mark,

I am following up my previous unsuccessful attempt to contact you regarding XXX. I realize you may have more urgent priorities, however I request the professional courtesy of your reply.

Please take a moment to respond and let me know whether XXX. I do not intend to solicit your business or otherwise burden you in any way, however I simply request a reply and status from our last correspondence about this project.

Do not hesitate to call me at any time if you have questions about XXX. I am prepared to assist you if needed, and that decision is entirely up to you...

Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to your prompt reply either way.

EDIT: in other words, if they don't respond, I consider them unprofessional assholes, and noone likes that :)

As someone who gets unsolicited email, when drip campaigns switch from positive to negative like this... Spam filter. Why on earth would a busy person with many open opportunities want to shift focus to a multiyear collaboration that is antagonizing from day 1?

Asking a question that can be answered in 1 line is fine, or asking for a referral to someone more relevant. But keep things positive and easy.

This is a terrible idea. I get spam emails like this every day, why on earth would I imitate them?

Oh man, you should really stop sending emails like that. It sounds desperate and as if you’re passive-aggressively chastising the person for not responding to you.

If they don’t respond after the second email, just assume it’s a no. Don’t start begging. You’re not going to change their mind and it just makes you look bad.

Okay I will stop doing this because what you say. Well also because it always works.

If I were a VC and I got an email like that, I would respond, but I would have no intent of giving you any money.

Really—stop doing this. No one is required to reply to unsolicited communication. The judgments you're applying are both wrong and unhelpful.

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