The first call with an investor is an important one, as it sets the stage for follow-up calls.

Here are some key steps to take in the first call:

Keep the conversation two-way rather than letting one side or the other monologue.

The founder doesn’t learn anything about the investor if the founder talks the entire time.

Use questions to guide the conversation so it’s productive.

The purpose of the call is to inform the investor about the fundraise and learn more about the investor’s interest and experience.

After each portion of the pitch, ask for feedback from the investor about their impressions.

This could be about the problem to be solved, the solution offered, or other.

Ask for advice at key points to engage the investor and potentially learn something new.

Explore the investor’s diligence process so one can prepare for it.

Finally, check interest on the part of the investor.

See what level of interest the investor has.

This will help rank-order investors by interest level.

Consider these steps in engaging the investor for the first time.

 

Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for joining your host Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso — your daily shot of startup funding and investing.
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org
Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/
For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Please follow, share, and leave a review.
Music courtesy of Bensound.

Copyright (c) 2026, Hall Martin and investorconnect.org. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer:
Hall T Martin is the director of Investor Connect, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the education of investors for early-stage funding. All opinions expressed by Hall and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Investor Connect. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for the basis of investment decisions.