How to Deal with VC Spam?

Question

I run a smallish but growing, largely bootstrapped Fintech SaaS company. For whatever reason, we seem to have tripped some kind of VC attention radar and I now get 2-3 emails a day from VC analysts trying to speak with me. I generally politely decline and say I'm not raising now (truth is, I'd rather be profitable than raise VC anyway).What should I be doing with all these emails? Is it worth replying to these folks? Are analysts even going to be in a position to help me if I did want to raise?Thanks for any advice!

yuppie_scum · Accepted Answer

Why reply to anybody you don&rsquo;t want to talk to? Keep them on ice. If you have something they want, they&rsquo;ll be happy to talk to you any time you want down the road.

arrakis2021 · Answer

If you see a spike all at once it almost definitely means your competitor is raising a round right now and they’re either canvassing the space or they missed out on that round and want to learn about you.
1. Never send them a deck. These people treat decks like baseball cards. They will straight up tell you they can’t invest in your company and still ask for a deck.
2. Never be rude to analysts or junior VCs. Word spreads fast and when you actually do want to raise you won’t want Partners to think you’re an a*hole.
3. If you want, take a call, and spend the entire call asking them questions. How they’ve helped other companies. Why are they speaking to you.
A junior VC can be a gateway to a great round, or a fishing expedition for your competitor.

vpprofit · Answer

Crazy they employ these people just as a negative filter on who to talk to.

wizwit999 · Answer

Good problem but yeah, I wouldn't engage with non partners.