Static lists go stale fast
A CSV of 500 VCs exported from a database tells you who exists—not who is deploying in your sector right now. Partner moves, fund closes, and portfolio follow-ons change investor appetite weekly.
Four signals that predict fit
Deployment velocity (recent investments in your space), thesis alignment (sector and stage concentration), check size fit (fund size vs. your target raise), and engagement history (reply patterns from comparable campaigns). Weight these together—not any single factor alone.
Quality over quantity
240 well-scored investors outperform 800 spray-and-pray contacts. CapSignal campaigns typically target 200–500 investors depending on tier, with every row reviewed before launch.
The exclude list is as important as the include list
Existing relationships, prior rejections, and conflict investors should be flagged before anything sends. A shortlist you trust is one you've edited—not one you imported blindly.