Raise Millions by Hustle Fund VC Page 137 ● Traction: Think about traction more in terms of ability to execute rather than specific numbers. Your numbers don’t have to be great, but early-stage investors want to see that you can move quickly and experiment with different tactics. Include a go-to-market (GTM) strategy that includes early users, pilot programs, and/or distribution channels. ● Keep your pitch deck short. It should be brief, ideally 5-10 slides, and easy to understand. You should be able to pitch to someone outside of your industry and not leave them scratching their heads. If they find your pitch too complicated, that’s a sign to simplify your deck. ● Designing an effective pitch deck can have a huge impact on your fundraising efforts. Invest time to make it great. Build relationships with investors ● Networking isn't about exchanging business cards and playing golf together. It’s about forming authentic friendships in the way you’d normally form friendships. People prefer doing business with people they like and trust (aka their friends). ● You can meet investors anywhere. Start with people you know, and consider people you normally wouldn’t expect to be an investor (like your optometrist). Connect with them online hustlefund.vc / @hustlefundvc