#1
A founder cold-emailed me with zero mutual connections. I funded them 6 months later.
"A founder cold-emailed me with zero mutual connections, no warm intro, and a three-line pitch. I funded them 6 months later. Here's exactly what they did differently."
Why it works
Investors are gatekeepers in founders' minds — a story that breaks that perception generates massive engagement from both founders hungry for access and investors curious about your thesis. It signals openness while showcasing your analytical eye for talent.
#2
Why the warm intro is overrated — and what actually signals founder quality
"The venture industry has been gatekeeping deal flow behind warm intros for decades. I'm starting to think that's a bug, not a feature."
Why it works
This challenges a deeply held industry norm, which triggers strong reactions from both sides of the debate. It positions you as a contrarian thinker with a clear investment philosophy, attracting founders who are building in overlooked networks.
#3
5 things a cold pitch needs to survive my inbox in under 60 seconds
"I receive 40+ unsolicited pitches a week. Most are deleted in under 10 seconds. Here's the exact framework I use to decide which ones get a reply."
Why it works
Actionable listicles from investors perform exceptionally well because they serve two audiences at once: founders looking for guidance and fellow investors validating their own filters. The specificity of '60 seconds' makes the hook feel credible and analytical.
#4
Hot take: Founders who cold outreach well are better operators than most I meet through referrals
"Unpopular opinion: a founder who researches you deeply, crafts a precise cold pitch, and follows up strategically has already demonstrated more operational skill than half the warm intros I take."
Why it works
Hot takes that reframe conventional wisdom — especially ones that elevate an underdog — drive high comment volume. This one invites founders to self-identify and investors to push back, creating the kind of thread that builds visible authority.
#5
What do you actually do when a founder cold pitches you on LinkedIn?
"Genuine question for fellow investors: when a founder cold DMs you with a pitch on LinkedIn, what's your actual process? Do you read it, forward it, ignore it?"
Why it works
Questions directed at peers generate high-quality comment threads from other VCs and angels, which increases your post's reach in investor networks. It also signals to founders that you're engaged and accessible, improving inbound quality.
#6
I ignored a founder's cold outreach twice. The third time, I flew to meet them.
"I ignored a founder's cold outreach twice. The third message made me stop everything and book a flight. The difference wasn't persistence — it was precision."
Why it works
The narrative arc here is compelling and emotionally resonant. It rewards founders who refine their approach rather than give up, and it demonstrates that you're a thoughtful, evidence-driven investor — not just pattern-matching on pedigree.
#7
The cold pitch data point I track that most investors ignore
"After reviewing hundreds of cold pitches over the past two years, I started tracking one specific data point that consistently predicts whether a founder is worth a deeper conversation."
Why it works
Data-driven insights from investors signal analytical rigor and attract both founders who want to optimize their approach and LPs who want to understand your sourcing discipline. The mystery element in the hook drives click-throughs and saves.
#8
7 cold outreach mistakes founders make that instantly kill my interest — and how to fix each one
"I've seen the same cold pitch mistakes made by brilliant founders over and over again. None of them are about the idea. All of them are about the message."
Why it works
Error-avoidance content consistently outperforms advice content because founders are highly motivated to not make mistakes with investors. A listicle format makes it shareable and saveable, extending organic reach well beyond your immediate network.
#9
If you're a founder reading this — what's stopped you from cold outreaching investors directly?
"I want to understand the friction. If you've held back from cold pitching an investor you believe in, what made you hesitate?"
Why it works
Directly addressing founders in a question format is a powerful deal flow tactic disguised as community engagement. The responses give you real insight into founder psychology while positioning your profile as a visible, approachable entry point in the ecosystem.
#10
Hot take: The best deal I sourced this year came from a cold LinkedIn comment, not a conference
"I spent $8,000 attending three major startup conferences last year. My best deal came from a comment thread on LinkedIn. The math doesn't lie."
Why it works
This post validates LinkedIn as a deal flow channel while implicitly demonstrating your active presence on the platform. It's a credibility-building hot take that attracts founders who engage through content, which is exactly the deal flow pipeline modern investors need to build.