The Investor Intro Accelerator: A 6-Month Networking Program for Entrepreneurs & Startups

1. Program Introduction & Benefits

The Investor Intro Accelerator is a structured, action-oriented networking program designed to help entrepreneurs and startups systematically secure warm introductions to potential investors. Based on proven methodologies like the 70-20-10 rule and Lean Startup principles, the program prioritizes hands-on execution, peer accountability, and iterative refinement of outreach and pitch strategies to achieve a clear, time-bound goal.

Strategic Benefits for Entrepreneurs & Startups:

• Structured Pathway to Investor Access: Transforms the often chaotic process of fundraising into a clear, phased roadmap with defined milestones, moving from network mapping to sustained relationship building.
• Action-Oriented Accountability: Leverages peer accountability groups and weekly check-ins to maintain momentum, overcome rejection fear, and ensure consistent progress toward the 5-intro goal.
• Evidence-Based Skill Development: Provides focused training on high-impact areas—investor research, pitch differentiation, and network activation—using frameworks validated in programs like EO Accelerator and Angel School.
• Efficient Resource Utilization: Maximizes the founder's time by focusing on targeted outreach and qualified investor conversations, moving beyond generic cold emails to leveraged warm introductions.
• Sustainable Network Building: Equips participants with the tools and strategies to not only achieve the immediate goal but also to cultivate and maintain a valuable investor pipeline for future funding rounds.

2. Program Expansion Strategy

Evaluation: This is a Networking Program, not a Mentorship or Coaching program. The primary goal—securing warm investor intros within 6 months—involves high-stakes, nuanced social capital building and personalized strategy. While peer accountability is powerful, direct access to experienced founders and investors who have successfully navigated this path would significantly de-risk the process and accelerate outcomes.

Proposed Addition: Supplemental Mentor Advisory Layer

A curated mentorship component would add immense value by providing participants with:

1. Credibility & Immediate Network Access: Mentors can provide direct warm introductions, instantly expanding a participant's reach beyond their existing network.
2. Tactical, Context-Specific Guidance: Mentors can offer real-time feedback on pitch decks, outreach scripts, and negotiation tactics based on current market realities.
3. Motivation and Perspective: Sharing their own fundraising journeys, mentors can help normalize setbacks and provide encouragement during challenging phases.

Implementation Note: Integrate a "Mentor Match" event in Month 1. Recruit 5-10 seasoned entrepreneurs and angel investors. Each mentor is assigned to a small group of 3-4 participants for bi-monthly "Office Hours" sessions throughout the program. The focus is on strategy review, network bridging, and obstacle troubleshooting, complementing the peer accountability groups.

3. Implementation Roadmap

Launch Phase (Pre-Program & Week 1)

• ✓ Finalize program curriculum and secure guest speakers/mentors.
• ✓ Onboard participants via a kick-off webinar outlining the 6-month journey, tools, and expectations.
• ✓ Conduct initial network assessment survey for baseline data.
• ✓ Form peer accountability groups (3-5 participants each).
• ✓ Distribute access to the core program platform (LMS/Internal Social Network).

Tracking & Operations (Ongoing, Weeks 2-24)

• Weekly: Accountability groups meet for 60 minutes to report on KPIs, practice pitches, and solve challenges using the GROW model.
• Bi-Weekly: Deliver core instructional content (video modules, templates) via the LMS aligned with the content pillars.
• Monthly: Host a live expert session (e.g., on investor psychology, term sheet basics). Program manager reviews group dashboards and checks in with any participants falling behind milestones.
• Milestone Gates: Formal review at the end of each phase (Month 1, 3, 4, 6) to ensure participants have met the minimum outputs before progressing.

Success Measurement

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Primary Goal: Number of documented warm introductions secured (Target: ≥5 by Week 24).
• Activity Metrics: Outreach volume (≥100 contacts initiated), conversation rate (≥20 held), pipeline health (≥10 active follow-ups at closure).
• Program Health: Participant engagement scores, completion rate of milestone deliverables, accountability group meeting attendance.

Feedback Mechanisms:

• Mid-Point Survey (Week 12): Qualitative feedback on content relevance, mentor value, and peer group effectiveness.
• Final Survey & Interview (Week 24): Measures self-reported growth in network quality and confidence. Tracks scheduled follow-up meetings.
• 3-Month Post-Program Follow-up: Survey to measure long-term outcomes (e.g., funding conversations initiated, sustained investor relationships).

4. Approved Tools List

• LMS (Learning Management System): Primary Tool. Justification: This is essential for the structured, phased delivery of the four core content pillars (modules). It allows for sequential release of video lessons, downloadable templates (e.g., investor scoring rubrics, email scripts), and tracking of participant progress through the curriculum.
• Internal Social Network: Secondary Tool. Justification: Critical for fostering community among participants. It will host the peer accountability groups for asynchronous updates and support, facilitate Q&A with mentors and experts, and serve as a platform for participants to share wins, resources, and event opportunities.

(Note: Mentorship/Coaching Software is not selected as the primary program type is networking; the supplemental mentor layer can be managed via the Internal Social Network and scheduled video calls. Other tools like Personality Tests or Onboarding Platforms are less relevant to the core goal of investor networking.)

5. Resource & Content Library

General Program Content (Delivered via LMS)

• Module 1: Investor Targeting & Research
  • Video: "Mapping Your Existing Network for Investor Pathways"
  • Guide: "How to Decode an Investor's Thesis & Past Deals"
  • Template: Investor Target List & Qualification Scorecard
  • Exercise: Identify and profile 50 high-fit investor targets.
• Module 2: Pitch & Messaging Mastery
  • Video: "Crafting the 10-Line Deal Summary That Gets Forwarded"
  • Workshop Recording: "Objection Handling: From 'Send a Deck' to 'Let's Meet'"
  • Template: Warm Introduction Request Email Scripts
  • Peer Review Exercise: Pitch deck feedback session using a structured rubric.
• Module 3: Network Building & Activation
  • Video: "Strategies for Leveraging Events & Online Platforms (Beyond LinkedIn)"
  • Guide: "Building a Proprietary Network: Co-Syndication and Referral Loops"
  • Case Study: Analysis of a successful founder's investor network build.
  • Template: Post-Meeting Follow-up & Nurture Sequence.
• Module 4: Execution & Accountability
  • Video: "Managing Your Investor Pipeline Like a Sales CRM"
  • Template: Simple Investor Pipeline Tracker (Google Sheets/Notion)
  • Guide: "The Accountability Group Playbook: Running Effective Check-ins"
  • Simulation: Live role-play of asking for a warm introduction.

Supplemental Mentoring Content Table

(To be provided to mentors and mentees to enhance advisory sessions)