It takes more than a great idea to raise money. Especially if you’re a female founder.
You already know the numbers. What you need now is a strategy that works for you.
On Women Disrupting Tech, I’ve heard stories from founders and investors who’ve been in the arena. And three things keep coming up when we talk about getting VCs to believe in your vision.
These are not tricks. They are mindset shifts. And they work.
1. Relationships Matter More Than Pitches
Treat fundraising like dating. It’s not just about the money. It’s about the match.
Jolanda Kooi built a system to keep investors updated long before she needed their money. Stacey Engle and Michelle Ter Laak both recommend showing up to events and reaching out on LinkedIn.
Sergio Panday suggests hosting intimate dinners or private events. Why? Because real relationships spark from human moments, not pitch decks.
2. Do Your Homework on VCs
You don’t just want any investor. You want the right one. For you.
So, don’t waste time convincing the wrong people.
Jolanda Kooi keeps track of investor focus, stage, and fund status so she can reach out with the right message at the right moment.
Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami add something powerful: match with people who see the world as you do. Not just in business, but in values as well.
They also ask other founders how they feel before they meet with their investors. If they dread the meetings, maybe it’s not a good fit.
This is where power comes from: alignment. And it starts with doing your homework.
3. Show Real Progress, Not Just Potential
“Ideas are cheap, execution is hard,” said Guy Kawasaki once.
More importantly, execution builds trust.
That doesn’t mean you need to have it all figured out. But you do need to show progress.
Because investors aren’t just betting on your product. They’re betting on your momentum.
Natasha Syed says pre-seed investors now expect early revenue. Esther Bisschop and Dieuwertje Drexhage showed that having a mixed or diverse team can boost credibility.
Michelle Ter Laak looks for founders who bring data that proves the problem is real.
And when your team reflects different perspectives, it sends a message: we are ready to build for everyone.
TDLRL: This isn’t about playing the game better
Build real relationships. Know your audience. Show them results.
It won’t guarantee you funding. But it will help investors take you seriously—and see the full value you bring.
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