Securing funding is one of the most challenging and essential parts of building a successful startup. The right venture capitalists (VCs) can not only provide the financial boost you need but also offer expertise, connections, and resources to help scale your business. But finding “active VCs”—those who are currently investing and aligned with your industry and growth stage—requires a strategic approach.

This guide will walk you through actionable steps to identify, evaluate, and connect with active VCs for your startup. Why Finding Active VCs Matters. Not every investor is actively deploying capital at any given time.

Some VCs might be focused on managing their current portfolio, others may have exhausted their fund allocation, and some may not specialise in your industry or growth stage. Pursuing VCs who aren't a good match is a waste of time and energy that could be spent building relationships with those primed to invest.

Active VCs not only have available funds but are also actively looking for opportunities that match their expertise. Working with them can accelerate the funding process, making it critical to identify VCs who align with your startup’s needs.

How to Research Active VCs

Finding active VCs requires targeted research. Here are some tools and strategies to help you build a strong list of potential investors:

1. Leverage Online Platforms

Several online platforms allow you to gain insights into venture capital firms and individual investors. These include:

• Sheetventure – A comprehensive database of investors, Sheetventure provides funding activity, portfolio details, and contact information and helps you identify VCs actively investing in startups like yours.

• AngelList – This platform can connect you with early-stage investors and even assist in syndicate fundraising options.

• LinkedIn – Use LinkedIn to explore mutual connections and follow the activity of VCs. This makes it easier to identify who’s actively involved in startups.

For example, Crunchbase offers filters to refine your search based on industry, funding stage, and geographic location, helping you home in on the right VCs.

2. Follow Investment Announcements

Pay attention to funding announcements in industry-specific media outlets and newsletters like TechCrunch or PitchBook. Not only do these announcements provide insights into which VCs are investing, but they also give context about the startups and industries they are backing.

3. Attend Networking Events and Conferences

Events focused on startups, such as demo days, pitch competitions, and venture capital summits, are excellent opportunities to meet active VCs in person. Platforms like Eventbrite and social media communities can help you find relevant events happening in your area or virtually.

4. Check Portfolio Companies of Potential VCs

Review the websites of VC firms to analyze their portfolio companies. Look for similarities between what you’re building and the businesses they’ve already invested in. This can indicate whether they have experience and interest in your industry.

Pro Tip: Prioritize investors who have recently raised new funds themselves. A fresh round of fundraising typically indicates they are in an active investment stage.

How to Evaluate if a VC is a Good Fit for Your Startup

Not all active VCs will be the right choice for your startup. Take the time to evaluate potential investors based on these criteria:

1. Industry Expertise

Look for VCs who specialize in your industry’s vertical (e.g., fintech, healthtech, or clean energy). Their understanding of your market can bring invaluable insights and connections.

2. Stage of Investment

Be mindful if your startup is at the pre-seed, Series A, or growth stage, as many VCs focus on specific funding stages. Investing time in speaking to the wrong type of investor often leads to dead ends.

3. Past Portfolio

Analyze the VC’s portfolio to see what kinds of startups they typically fund. Do they have a history of supporting innovative and successful companies in your sector? This analysis will also uncover whether there are competitors in their portfolio, which could indicate a conflict of interest.

4. Value Beyond Money

A good VC offers more than funding—they can open doors through mentorship and their network. Look for testimonials, case studies, or examples of how they’ve supported previous investments.

5. Reputation and Fit

Seek connections within your professional network for reviews or insights about the VCs you’re considering. Compatibility and shared values can significantly influence the success of your partnership.

Strategies for Reaching out to VCs

Once you’ve identified and evaluated potential VCs, the next critical step is building a connection. Simply emailing pitches to as many investors as possible won’t cut it. Here are better ways to engage:

1. Craft a Targeted Pitch

Your pitch should be concise, compelling, and customized for each VC. Make sure to address the following in your outreach email or deck:

• Why your startup aligns with their investment focus

• The problem you’re solving and the opportunity it presents

• Your traction and progress thus far

Use storytelling to make your startup’s potential stand out—show, don’t just tell.

2. Activate Your Network

Warm introductions are more effective than cold outreach. Use platforms like LinkedIn to identify mutual connections who can facilitate introductions. Attend networking events, alumni meetups, and accelerator programs to get closer to active VCs.

3. Engage on Their Platforms

Many VCs share their insights and thoughts on platforms like Twitter or via blogs. Engaging with their content authentically can help you appear on their radar organically.

4. Leverage Startup Incubators or Accelerators

Organizations like Y Combinator, Techstars, and Seedcamp often introduce startups to relevant VCs as part of their programs. Applying to such incubators can bridge the gap between you and sought-after investors.

Pro Tip: Always follow up in a professional manner after initial outreach. A personalized follow-up email can significantly improve your chances of moving to the next step.

Start Taking Action Today

Finding active VCs for your startup requires effort, persistence, and a clear strategy. Start by researching thoroughly, evaluating investors who align with your startup’s goals, and using thoughtful approaches to build connections. Remember, success comes not just from securing funding but from finding the right partner to grow your vision.

Take the first step today by leveraging platforms like SheetVenture, AngelList, and professional networks to build a targeted list of active VCs. The sooner you start, the closer you’ll get to landing the investment that will propel your startup forward.