Raising Funding with Just a Prototype?

So to be blunt, is it even possible to try and raise funding for a tech product if you don't have connections. Like, I really can already showcase some limited features and I think there's a market for this, but the last time I really invested effort into reaching out to investors I got ignored universally. Aside from a single we looked at it, but we don't think you're going to be able to recoup so good luck email.

I know most of the time it's easier to get funding if you've already had at least one successful exit, but then how do you get your first successful exit ?