Good connections often open more doors than cold emails or pitch decks. If you can establish relationships that truly matter, this can give your startup a strategic advantage.
If your first instinct is to chase people for business cards or connect with hundreds of irrelevant LinkedIn contacts, that approach is unlikely to yield real opportunities, partnerships, investments, or valuable insights. We’ve compiled a list of tips that may seem obvious at first glance, but when used effectively, they can help you make meaningful connections through every networking opportunity.
Founders often feel they don’t “fit in” at traditional networking events — and that’s okay. You shouldn’t pitch to everyone in the room, and that’s not the goal. The goal is to connect with the right people. You need to have a clear understanding of:
Unlike typical tech startups, deep tech projects thrive in specialized ecosystems. Instead of broad startup meetups, look for:
These spaces are full of peers, partners, and potential mentors who understand your challenges — from complex R&D cycles to regulatory hurdles.
Don’t be a salesperson, be an expert.
Your knowledge is your greatest advantage. Instead of starting with a pitch, discuss the problem you are solving and why it matters. If you have a solution but are looking for a problem, position yourself as someone actively looking to apply your tech where it truly matters.
People remember emotions and those who educate and inspire, not just those who promote. Being a thought leader naturally builds trust and attracts the right people to you.
The real magic of networking happens after the event. Just “having a nice chat” won’t mean a lot. It will be better to ask for a quick call to share ideas or follow up. This way, you will have more chances to turn a fleeting connection into a lasting relationship.
You don’t have to wait for in-person events to network. Use LinkedIn, forums or tech communities to show you’re existing. Share updates about your startup, ask questions, or comment on others’ work with your expert opinion. Visibility brings opportunities.
Startup networking isn’t an option; it is a must-have. You never know when a simple conversation today becomes a strategic partnership tomorrow. Surround your startup with the right minds to navigate your journey.
Knowing that you will, at some point in time, need a Board of Directors, it is good practice to start early on with a mentor, a senior with the proper network, knowledge, experience, and standing. The mentor can provide the team with the right connectivity, being intimately knowledgeable about the company, its technology, and its roadmap. The mentor can, when needed, step into the role of Board chairperson and ensure the Board amplifies further connectivity. We train startup teams to pay close attention to the mentor from the very beginning. The value of a top-notch mentor/BoD chairperson can hardly be overestimated.
“Created by humans, perfected with AI”
Imagine you’re building a robot. Not just any robot. Your robot. It’s smart, shiny, and meant to change the world. But before you bring it to life, you face a serious question: “Do I buy the robot factory, or just rent a workshop?” That’s where the magical world of CapEx and OpEx begins.
When you’re building a startup, the kind of funding you choose can determine the path your company takes. Two common funding options usually come into play: Venture Capital (VC) and Corporate Venture Capital (CVC).
TD Shepherd congratulates the Innoseis Sensor Technologies’ team on closing of their Seed round led by FORWARD.one. Innoseis ST is a spin-off from the Nikhef who transferring advanced research in gravitational-wave detection into commercial sensor technology.