Asking another founder for an introduction is one of the highest-leverage things you can do early on, and one of the easiest to get wrong. A vague ask costs your peer time and puts their reputation at risk. A well-built ask takes them two minutes and often gets a yes.
This guide covers why peers are such good introducers, how to prepare, and templates you can copy and adapt.
Why founders make the best introducers
Founders who have recently raised, sold to a buyer you want, or worked with a partner you are chasing know how that person actually behaves. They can say, “This investor replies fast and likes technical founders,” which a cold email never can.
Peers also understand the stakes. They know what it costs to ask for a favour, so a clear, respectful request lands well. The trade-off is that their credibility is on the line, which is why the way you ask matters.
Before you ask: three prep steps
- Be specific about the person. Name the exact investor, customer or partner. “Anyone in fintech?” forces your peer to do the work.
- Check the connection is real. Confirm on LinkedIn or in a portfolio page that your peer actually knows the target. Don’t guess.
- Know what you’d offer back. It might be a reciprocal intro, feedback on their product, or a clear thank-you. Giving first builds the relationship.
If you are not sure who in your network connects to whom, see our guide to mining your network for warm introductions.
The rules of a good intro request
- Make it opt-in. Always give an easy way to say no.
- Make it forwardable. Include a short blurb your peer can paste to the target without rewriting anything.
- Keep it short. Aim for under 120 words in your message to the peer.
- Be honest about fit. Only ask when the target is truly relevant to what you do.
- Never send an intro without consent. The introducer should check with the target first.
Template 1: Asking a peer for an investor intro
Hi [Name], congratulations on [specific recent milestone]. I saw that [Investor] backed [Company]. We’re raising a [stage] round for [one-line description] and I think there may be a fit because [specific reason].
Would you be comfortable introducing us? If it’s not a good fit or you’d rather not, no problem at all. I’ve included a short blurb below that you can forward.
Happy to return the favour. If anyone on your side needs help with [your strength], let me know.
Forwardable blurb: [Your name] is the founder of [Company], which [what you do] for [who]. They have [one real proof point: customers, revenue, pilot]. They’re raising a [stage] round and are interested in talking to you because [reason].
Template 2: Asking for a customer introduction
Hi [Name], I noticed you work with [Target Company]. We help [type of company] with [problem], and I think their team might benefit. I don’t want to pitch them cold.
Would you be open to a quick intro, or to telling me who the right person might be? Totally fine if the timing isn’t right.
Forwardable blurb: [Your name] at [Company] is working on [problem]. They’d like 15 minutes to learn how your team handles it today. No pitch required.
Template 3: Asking for a partner or advisor introduction
Hi [Name], I’ve been following [Person]‘s work on [topic] and noticed you’ve collaborated before. I’m exploring [specific partnership or advice area] and would value 20 minutes of their perspective.
If you think it’s a reasonable ask, would you mind making an intro? If not, I completely understand.
Template 4: Following up without being pushy
Hi [Name], a quick nudge on my earlier note. No pressure at all. If it’s easier, I can reach out myself and mention that you suggested it. Thanks again for considering it.
Wait about a week before following up, and send only one follow-up.
Template 5: Thanking the introducer
After the intro, close the loop. Tell your peer what happened, even if it went nowhere. People who hear back are far more willing to make the next introduction.
Hi [Name], thanks again for the intro to [Person]. We spoke on [date] and [short outcome]. I appreciate you putting your name behind it. Let me know how I can help on your side.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Asking for “any intro you can think of.” It signals you haven’t done your homework.
- Sending a long deck in the first message. Lead with the short blurb and offer more on request.
- Treating it as a one-way favour. Look for ways to help the other founder, even in small ways.
- Going quiet afterwards. Update your introducer on the outcome.
Build a network where asking is normal
The easiest introductions happen between founders who already trust each other. That is the idea behind The SuperConnector Club: a community of early-stage founders balancing revenue traction and fundraising, with tools like the Network Miner to see where warm paths already exist.
While you build those relationships, line up the funding side too: browse curated opportunities on our funding hub and log each one in the Application Tracker. If you want a peer group where asking for and making introductions is the norm, apply to join The SuperConnector Club.