The startup world is often seen as a zero-sum game. One fund’s loss is another’s win; one investor’s success is another’s missed opportunity. But this mindset is both outdated and limiting. The reality is: the best ecosystems are built on collaboration, not competition.
The best founders know how to build networks. They cross-pollinate ideas, intros, and resources. Why shouldn’t investors do the same?
Why Investor-Investor Collaboration Matters
- Better Deal Flow for Everyone
When investors trust each other, they’re more likely to share promising leads early. The goal isn’t to hoard the best startups—it’s to build a track record of helping companies raise well-rounded, value-aligned capital.
- Smarter Co-Investing
Co-investing with aligned partners means shared due diligence, complementary skill sets, and stronger board representation. It also signals strength to the founder—funds that can work together, likely bringing harmony to the cap table.
- You’re Showing Up for Founders
Collaboration with fellow investors is a quiet, powerful signal that you are founder-first. Sharing deal flow, pooling expertise, or helping close a round faster—all of this communicates that you're not in it for turf or ego, but to do what’s best for the company. That trust compounds.
- Faster Learning Curves
The best investors are constant learners. Having open channels with peers means you hear about new models, emerging geographies, or founder insights faster. Think of it as a meta-version of founder-market fit—investor-market fluency.
- Collective Ecosystem Impact
Working together, investors can push for better governance norms, healthier founder relationships, and more diverse capital access. Instead of a scattered approach, a connected network of investors can amplify the impact on the startup landscape.
So, How Do You Build These Relationships?
- Be Generous First: Share deals, share notes, share insights—without expecting anything in return. Give > Get.
- Go Beyond the Surface: Don’t just meet at demo days or on cap tables. Build real relationships. Meet 1:1. Talk values. Understand each other’s investment philosophy deeply.
- Create Micro-Communities: Small WhatsApp groups, regular Zoom calls, or in-person dinners of like-minded investors can go a long way. Keep them intentional and trust-based.
- Normalize Vulnerability: Talk about what didn’t work. Share lessons from missed deals or internal mistakes. That’s where the real learning—and bonding—happens.
Reframing the Game: From Scarcity to Abundance
At its best, investing isn’t about beating others—it’s about building with others. The pie isn’t fixed. The more we support each other, the bigger the opportunities become—for funds, for founders, for the ecosystem at large.