Short messages get replies. Use these as starting points and replace every bracket with a specific fact. Check each investor’s own instructions before you send anything.
Founder Templates: Investor Emails and Updates
In shortShort, specific messages get replies. Copy a template, replace the brackets with real numbers, and keep it under 150 words.
Cold email to an investor
Subject: [Company] – [one-line what you do] for [customer] Hi [Name], I'm [Your name], founder of [Company]. We help [customer] [achieve result] using [how]. In the last [period] we reached [traction: revenue, users, pilots]. I'm raising [amount] to [milestone] by [date]. I noticed you invested in [portfolio company], which [why it's relevant]. Would a 20-minute call next week be useful? Our two-page summary is attached. Thank you, [Name] | [Phone] | [Website]
Follow-up after no reply
Subject: Re: [Company] – quick follow-up Hi [Name], Following up in case my note got buried. Since I wrote, we [new proof: signed pilot, revenue milestone, key hire]. If [Firm] isn't the right fit for this stage, I'd appreciate a pointer to someone who is. Thanks, [Name]
Warm introduction request
Subject: Intro request: [Investor name] Hi [Connector], I'm raising [amount] for [Company], which [one-line description]. I think [Investor] would be a good fit because [reason]. Would you be comfortable making an introduction? Here's a short blurb you can forward: [Three-sentence blurb: what we do, traction, ask] Happy to adjust. Thank you, [Name]
Monthly investor update
Subject: [Company] update – [Month] Headline: [one sentence on how the month went] Numbers: Revenue [x] | Cash [x] | Runway [x months] | Key metric [x] Wins: 1) [ ] 2) [ ] 3) [ ] Challenges: 1) [ ] 2) [ ] Asks: [introductions, hires, advice you need] Next month: [top three priorities] Thank you, [Name]