How Long Should I Wait Before Following Up with a VC?

Wait 5–7 business days after your initial outreach before sending the first follow-up.

For post-meeting follow-ups, send a thank-you within 24 hours, then wait 5–7 days for a substantive follow-up if you haven't heard back. After a second follow-up, wait 7–10 days before a final attempt. Three total follow-ups is the maximum, beyond that, silence means no.

Why Timing Matters

Follow up too soon and you seem desperate. Wait too long and you lose momentum, or the investor forgets you entirely. The right timing shows professionalism, respect for their schedule, and persistent-but-not-pushy energy.

VCs are busy. They juggle portfolio companies, LP meetings, deal flow, and internal reviews. Your email competes with hundreds of others. Strategic timing increases the chance your follow-up lands when they actually have bandwidth to respond.

Follow-Up Timing by Situation

After Cold Outreach (No Prior Relationship)

First follow-up: 5–7 business days after initial email

Most cold emails get buried. A week gives enough time for them to see it while keeping you fresh in their mind.

Second follow-up: 5–7 days after first follow-up

If still no response, try a different angle, new traction update, different subject line, or shorter format.

Third follow-up: 7–10 days after second follow-up

Make this your final attempt. Signal closure gracefully and leave the door open for future contact.

After a Meeting

Thank-you email: Within 24 hours

Send a brief note thanking them for their time, recapping key points discussed, and restating next steps if any were mentioned.

First follow-up: 5–7 days after meeting (if no response to thank-you)

Reference the conversation and add any updates since you met—new metrics, customer wins, or progress on items discussed.

Second follow-up: 7–10 days later

Keep it short. Ask directly if they've had time to discuss internally or if they need additional information.

For deeper insight into how VCs make decisions after meetings, read our guide on understanding VC decision-making timelines.

After Submitting Requested Materials

Follow-up: 5–7 days after sending

If they requested your deck, financials, or data room access, give them time to review. A week is reasonable before checking in.

"Hi [Name], wanted to make sure the materials came through okay. Happy to answer any questions or hop on a quick call to walk through anything."

After a Partner Meeting or IC Presentation

Follow-up: 3–5 days after

Internal decisions can move quickly or slowly depending on the firm. A shorter window is appropriate since they're actively evaluating.

Factors That Affect Timing

Investor size and structure. Solo GPs and small funds often respond faster than large firms with investment committees.

Stage of conversation. Early outreach tolerates longer gaps. Active diligence requires tighter follow-up.

Market conditions. In hot markets, investors move faster. In downturns, decisions stretch longer.

Stated timeline. If they said "we'll get back to you next week," wait until that window passes before following up.

Your leverage. If you have competing term sheets or a closing deadline, shorter follow-up windows are justified.

Use SheetVenture's investor coverage data to understand which investors are actively deploying, active investors typically respond faster than those between funds.

Signs You're Following Up Too Much

• You've sent 4+ emails with no response

• Your emails are getting progressively longer or more anxious

• You're following up within 2–3 days each time

• You're reaching out through multiple channels simultaneously (email, LinkedIn, Twitter)

After three quality follow-ups, silence is your answer. Move on professionally.

The Bottom Line

Wait 5–7 days after initial outreach, 24 hours for post-meeting thank-yous, and 5–10 days for subsequent follow-ups. Three attempts maximum. Respect their time while demonstrating persistence.

The founders who close rounds aren't those who follow up most aggressively, they're those who follow up most strategically.

Have questions about your investor outreach strategy? Talk to our team.

SheetVenture helps founders target active investors, so your follow-ups reach people who are actually deploying capital.