Building Investment Relationships: Why Lines Matter More Than Dots

As an investor, one of the most crucial aspects of my decision-making process is understanding not just the business proposition, but the journey that brought founders to my doorstep. This connection story tells me volumes about a founder's network, their ability to build relationships, and their approach to business development.

The Power of Warm Introductions

The strongest founder relationships often begin through warm introductions. Whether it's through fellow investors, industry colleagues, or entrepreneurs I've previously backed, these introductions come with an implicit vote of confidence. They signal that someone I trust sees potential in both the founder and their venture.

Building Trust Over Time

Here's something crucial for founders to understand: I don't write checks after a single meeting. Investment decisions are built on a series of interactions - what I call "lines" rather than "dots." Here's why:

• A single meeting (a dot) only shows a snapshot of your business and personality
• Multiple interactions (a line) reveal consistency, progress, and ability to execute
• Regular updates demonstrate communication style and transparency, what I look for most here is how you communicate the challenges more than the successes. I’m here to support, if you are on the up-and-up then what value am I going to provide to you during our relationship?
• Time allows me to see how you handle challenges and adapt to feedback

What I Look For During the Process

During our series of meetings, I'm evaluating several key aspects:

• How well you follow through on commitments and promises
• Your ability to incorporate feedback and iterate
• The evolution of your thinking and strategy
• Your response to challenging questions and situations

The Ideal Timeline

Typically, I prefer to follow a founder's journey for at least 2-3 months before making an investment decision. This might include:

• Initial introduction and first meeting or a pitch on The Port Fund
• Follow-up meetings to deep dive into specific aspects