What is an investor database?
An investor database is a searchable list of angels, venture capital firms, accelerators and other funders, with details about what each one invests in. Founders use it to build a target list for a fundraise instead of guessing from news articles and LinkedIn.
The size of a database matters less than whether the information is current and whether you can filter it down to the twenty or fifty investors who would actually consider your company.
What to look for in each investor record
Stage
Pre-seed, seed, Series A and later. The most important filter.
Sector
The industries and business models they back, based on their actual portfolio.
Geography
Where they invest, and whether they back companies outside their home market.
Cheque size
Typical first cheque, and whether they lead rounds or follow.
Portfolio
Companies they have backed, which also shows possible conflicts.
Activity
Whether they have invested recently. A fund at the end of its cycle may not be writing new cheques.
How founders use an investor database
- 1
Building a first-round target list
Filter by stage, sector and region, then shortlist the investors whose portfolio looks most like your company.
- 2
Finding warm introductions
Look at each investor's portfolio companies. Their founders are often the best route to an introduction.
- 3
Preparing for meetings
Read what an investor has backed before so you can explain why your startup fits their thesis.
- 4
Tracking outreach
Keep notes on who you contacted, who replied and what they asked, so follow-ups don't slip.
How to search investors on Startupply
Startupply's investor directory is part of its public profiles, alongside founders, co-founders and mentors.
- 1
Browse investor profiles
Open the profiles directory and look through investors and mentors, with their focus areas and background.
- 2
Use AI investor search
On paid plans, AI investor search reads your startup profile and suggests investors whose focus matches your sector and stage.
- 3
Reach out from the platform
Message investors through Startupply's built-in messaging. Link your startup profile so they can see what you do before replying.
- 4
Keep your profile current
Investors can find you too. An up-to-date profile with traction and team details makes inbound interest more likely.
Frequently asked questions
Are free investor databases any good?
Free lists are a reasonable starting point, but they go out of date quickly. Check that an investor is still active and still investing at your stage before you reach out.
How is Startupply different from a spreadsheet of investors?
Investors on Startupply have their own profiles, so the information comes from them. You can also message them directly and they can see your startup profile, which a spreadsheet can't do.
Can investors find my startup on Startupply?
Yes. Public startup profiles appear in the Startupply startup directory, where investors and programmes browse by stage and sector.