With Harvard MBAs launching funds like Twenty25 Ventures to back classmates, connections seem key. For new founders without an elite network, how do you get your foot in the VC door? Let’s talk beginner moves—LinkedIn outreach, event hustling, or leveraging advisors—to land that first meeting
Connections are important, yes—but they aren’t a substitute for substance. If you have a strong idea, you must research it thoroughly and likely become an expert in the space. No one wants to invest in what I call a “sofa idea”—where you and a few friends come up with a dreamy business plan over coffee without doing the real work. That kind of “Milchmädchenrechnung” (Google it—it’s the German term for overly optimistic daydream math) gets spotted quickly.
A solid concept needs real-time, real-world validation. By the time you’re ready to pitch, your idea should already be vetted by professionals, tested in the market, or even backed by an early successful startup phase. Only then do VC introductions start to make sense—often via warm intros from people who have seen your execution firsthand.
If you don’t have those contacts yet, you need to expand your network strategically. But be careful: many consultants will take your money and give you nothing in return. Especially avoid anyone who wants a percentage of your raise without holding a broker-dealer license—it’s not just shady, it can ruin your reputation.
Look for people with a proven track record. Avoid those who just want to “prep you for funding” without clear deliverables. This is serious business—you’ll need resources, persistence, and industry recognition to break through. Attend the right events, position yourself as an expert in your field, and aim for warm intros, not cold pitches.
Also: check the forum for red flags like the post-founder scam, and get clear on what a real business plan should look like. This isn’t about who you know right now—it’s about what you’ve built and how professionally you present it and you will meet during your development.
Thanks for bringing this up—these are exactly the types of scams that trap early-stage founders desperate for funding. Let me add a few more patterns we’ve seen repeatedly:
- The “Crypto Co-Investment” Trap
This one is dangerous. They say they’ll invest, but first ask you to prove you can co-invest—say, $50k in crypto. Then they insist on verifying the transaction in person (often flying you to Europe), under the promise of a same-day deal signing. Once you show the wallet and perform a live transaction, someone steals your private keys or seed phrase. Thirty minutes later, they vanish—along with your entire wallet. No signed docs, no deal—just a lesson. - “Guaranteed” Letters of Credit from Shell Banks
These offers come from supposed financial institutions with a SWIFT code and the promise of a Letter of Credit you can take to any bank. What they don’t tell you is the LoC is worthless unless it’s from a credible, globally recognized bank. By the time you realize no real institution accepts it, you’ve already paid non-refundable “admin” or “referral” fees. - Broker-Dealer “Roadshows” That Go Nowhere
Even legitimate broker-dealers can run questionable marketing schemes. They charge you high upfront fees to put you on a world tour of so-called investor meetings—what feels like a horse-and-pony show. You’ll be introduced to dozens of “interested” parties who never wire a dime. Meanwhile, the broker makes their money off your desperation, not your success.
Bottom line: if someone makes money whether or not you get funding, that’s a red flag. Look for skin in the game, verifiable track records, and regulated professionals. And never share access to crypto wallets—especially under pressure or in unfamiliar environments.
We’re compiling more of these in a “Founders Beware” guide—feel free to contribute more patterns you’ve seen.