Quick, Practical Tips For Emerging Fund Managers
- Apr 8
- 1 min read
Are you an emerging fund manager? Here are some quick, practical tips:
1. Be different
Don't compete with big firms. Find a niche and become the go-to investor.
2. Start with access, not capital
Before you have a fund, prove you can get into good deals. Angel invest, scout, or run SPVs.
3. Lean into SPVs early
SPVs build a track record without a full fund. They help you:
• Get into competitive deals
• Show judgment and curation
• Build founder and LP relationships
4. Build in public
Share insights, deals, and perspectives online to build inbound from founders and LPs.
5. Be helpful pre-check
Win on effort. Help founders before you invest with intros, hiring, feedback. That's how you earn allocation.
6. Move fast
You don't need layers of approval. Speed plus conviction wins competitive rounds.
7. Be disciplined on ownership
Tiny allocations hurt your fund math. Make sure your winners can actually return your fund.
8. Focus on signal early
Your first few deals define your trajectory. Be selective because early brand is fragile.
9. Cultivate LP relationships early
Don't wait until you're fundraising. Share deal flow and insights informally over time.
10. Tell a compelling story
Why you? Why now? Why this strategy? Make it clear and repeatable.
11. Stay consistent
Random deals, unclear focus, scattered messaging lose LPs and founders. Consistency builds trust.
12. Play long-term
You're building a franchise. Every interaction compounds into your reputation.