How to Connect with SaaS Investors at SaaStr

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Attending an event like SaaStr brings a prime opportunity to build relationships with the many VCs and investors focused on the SaaS space. With so many potential funding sources all in one spot, it’s important to maximize your chances of connecting.

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Whether you're a startup founder chasing capital or an established Software as a Service leader looking to network, use these tips to build rapport with investors at conferences:

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Do Your Homework

Don't roll up to an event like SaaStr blind. Review the list of attending investors and research those you hope to connect with. Follow them on social media and peep recent news about the companies they've funded.

Having context about an investor’s interests and portfolio companies gives you talking points to establish common ground. You can also spot connections you have in common that could facilitate an intro.

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Attend Investor Panels

Make time in your schedule to hit up any sessions featuring the investors you want to meet. This gives you insight into how they think about the SaaS landscape and what excites them.

You can gain key intel about their investment strategies and criteria without having to ask directly. Use this info to tailor your messaging when you do connect one-on-one.

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Network Before the Event

Don't wait until you're onsite at SaaStr to start networking with investors. Leverage social media and platforms like LinkedIn to connect and interact with them online before the event. Comment on their posts, send messages congratulating them on recent investments, or ask thoughtful questions to kick off a relationship. When you meet them in person later, they'll already be familiar with you.

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Craft a Captivating Pitch

Whether initiated by you or an investor, assume you'll get asked “What do you do?” Be ready with a compelling 30-second pitch about your company. Avoid industry jargon and make your value proposition clear.

Focus on info that would interest investors, like traction, target market, and competitive differentiators. The goal is piquing their interest enough to continue the convo.

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Target Meeting Times Strategically

Don't try to connect with investors just as sessions are starting or when they're rushing between meetings. Instead, target downtimes like session breaks, lunch hours, or networking receptions.

Investors tend to be more approachable and open to unscheduled chats when they aren’t back-to-back. Catch them during moments of flexibility.

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Offer Value

Investors want to get value from every interaction, not just be pitched. Offering your own insights, data, or experiences that relate to their interests establishes you as a contributor, not just a fund seeker.

Solve a pain point, make an intro to an industry contact, or provide market intel that helps them. Finding ways to give value builds meaningful connections.

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Follow Up After the Event

After meeting an investor, don’t let the relationship go cold. Send a follow up email recapping your convo and sharing any helpful resources or contacts as discussed.

Ask to continue the dialogue moving forward. Consistent nurturing turns one-off meetings into lasting relationships that pay dividends for both sides.

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While SaaStr provides amazing investor access, you need to put in work before, during and after to fully capitalize on the opportunities. Implement these tips at the next SaaS event you hit up to build fruitful relationships with financiers.

To learn more strategies for connecting with SaaS investors, contact our industry experts at Syroscape. We can advise you on crafting the perfect investor pitch, identifying funding targets, and creating long-term value for potential backers.