For most investors, the highest-value contributions are cheap to give: fast replies, relevant introductions made carefully, and being reliable when a founder needs a reference or a decision.
10 min read · Level 5
The contributions founders value most are often the least glamorous: an answer by tomorrow, a signature today, an introduction to exactly the right person. I think investors who are reliably good at these small things end up being more useful than those who offer bigger ideas but are hard to reach when something needs to happen.
Three contributions reliably help founders and cost investors relatively little:
Contribution Why it helps Responsiveness founders often need a quick answer to keep moving Introductions access to customers, hires and investors is hard to buy Reliability being a dependable reference, signing documents promptly
Introductions done well. A double opt-in introduction asks both people whether they want to be introduced before connecting them. This protects the investor's relationships and makes the introduction more likely to lead somewhere.
Step 1 Ask the founder exactly who they want to meet and why Step 2 Ask the contact whether they are open to the introduction Step 3 Send a short note explaining why each should talk Step 4 Step back and let them take it from there
A few well-matched introductions are worth more than many loosely matched ones. Introducing a founder to someone unsuited wastes both people's time and weakens the investor's credibility with both.
Responsiveness in practice. Founders frequently need small things quickly: signing consent documents, answering a reference call from a prospective hire or investor, or replying to a question before a deadline. An investor who responds within a day removes friction at moments that matter.
Because founders' bottlenecks are often access and speed, not ideas. A customer introduction or a timely reference call can move a company forward in a way that advice rarely does.
These contributions also compound for the investor. Founders recommend responsive investors to other founders, which improves future deal flow.
Educational, not personalised financial advice. Nothing in the Investor Academy is a recommendation to buy, sell or hold anything — what is right for you depends on your own circumstances and the rules where you live.
A founder closing a round needs signatures from existing investors. The round cannot close until every consenting investor signs.
Investor Response time 8 investors signed within two days 1 investor took three weeks, after several reminders
The delay pushed back the close, and the founder spent hours chasing one signature during a critical period. The slow investor had not objected to anything; they simply did not prioritise it. Being fast on routine requests is one of the simplest ways to be useful.
Making introductions without checking whether both people want them, or letting routine requests such as signatures and reference calls sit unanswered.
Aim to reply to founder requests within one working day, even if only to say when you will act.
Ask both sides before connecting them, and explain briefly why they should talk.
Make fewer, better-matched introductions rather than many weak ones.
Sign documents and take reference calls promptly, since they often sit on a founder's critical path.
Throughout the life of any investment where you have founder contact.
Do not over-promise introductions you cannot deliver. It is better to offer one strong connection than to list many you cannot actually make.
Hiring managers and investors commonly describe calling existing investors and board members as references before joining or funding a startup. Founders frequently note that slow or unenthusiastic references from their own investors have cost them candidates or delayed rounds.
Be ready to give a prompt, honest reference for founders you back. It is one of the most direct ways to help.
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