How to prepare for your first investor call at the pre-seed stage

‍Why this first call matters more than you think

Your first investor call can feel intimidating, especially if you’re at the pre-seed stage. Maybe you’ve got a few early users, a prototype, and a bold vision. But is that enough? What will they ask? Are you supposed to pitch? What if you stumble?

Take a breath.

This guide breaks down how to prepare for your first investor call in a way that’s clear, doable, and grounded in what investors actually care about. No over-polished pitch, no stress, just honest prep and confidence-building structure.

Early-stage fundraising is all about relationships, and the first investor call sets the tone.

It’s not just about the pitch. This call is where VCs get a first read on you:

• Are you thoughtful about the market?
• Can you explain your vision clearly?
• Do you seem coachable and self-aware?

The first call is less about convincing and more about connecting. Investors want to know: Do I want to keep talking to this founder?

What investors want to learn on the first call

Especially at pre-seed, investors aren’t expecting finished metrics or a perfect business model. Instead, they’re listening for:

• Vision. What are you building, and why does it matter?
• Founder-market fit. Why you for this problem?
• Traction. Even if early: users, interest, pilots, waitlists
• Clarity and focus. Are you making smart, focused moves?
• Thoughtfulness. Have you thought about GTM, risks, competition?

You don’t need all the answers. But you do need a clear story.

How to prepare before the call

1. Research the investor

Before the call, know who you’re talking to. Check:

• Portfolio companies (do any relate to you?)
• Public writing, tweets, or podcasts
• Investment stage and check size

Tailor your framing: “I saw you’ve invested in [Company]. We’re tackling a similar user but from this angle…”

2. Know your numbers (even if early)

Investors may ask:

• MRR, revenue, burn rate
• CAC, LTV, churn (if relevant)
• Waitlists, signups, conversion, user feedback

Even pre-revenue, show traction and learnings.

3. Practice your story

You don’t need to memorize a script, but rehearse:

• Your personal “why” (origin story)
• The problem you’re solving
• What makes your solution unique
• Where you’re headed next

Bonus: prepare a 30-second, 2-minute, and 5-minute version of your story.

4. Set up your environment

• Quiet room, good lighting, no distractions
• Strong internet
• Pitch materials open and organized
• Turn off notifications

You’re building trust. Make it easy for them to focus.

What to bring to the call

• Pitch deck: Something short and visual to anchor your story. Check out this pitch deck blogpost or our teaser deck template for a tried-and-true outline.
• Notion page or one-pager: Optional, for later reference
• Calendar: Be ready to schedule follow-up or next steps
• Optional questions doc: Have 3–5 questions ready to ask them too

You don’t have to screen share unless prompted, but having materials ready shows you’re organized.

What questions you’ll be asked

You’ll likely hear:

• How did you come up with this idea?
• What problem are you solving, and for who?
• What traction or validation do you have?
• How big is the market?
• What’s your GTM strategy?
• What’s the long-term vision?
• How are you thinking about fundraising?

Don’t worry about answering perfectly. Just answer clearly and honestly.

What questions you should ask

Investors will remember founders who ask thoughtful questions. Here are a few:

• How do you usually support companies at this stage?
• What do you look for when leading a pre-seed round?
• What’s your process like after an initial call?
• What kinds of companies do you get most excited about?

It’s not just about getting funding, it’s about finding the right fit.

How to follow up after the call

Within 24 hours, send a short email:

• Thank them for their time
• Recap a highlight or something specific from the conversation
• Share your teaser deck or other materials
• Outline next steps if discussed

Even if they don’t invest now, you’re planting a seed for later.

What not to stress about

• Pitch perfection: This isn’t Shark Tank.
• Having all the answers: Investors expect early-stage founders to still be figuring things out.
• The one-call close: Most investors won’t commit after one call, and that’s okay.

Stay focused, be honest, and show you’re learning fast.

How Capwave helps you prep with clarity and confidence

Capwave helps founders get ready for these investor moments with:

• Investor-ready pitch decks with our AI analyzer
• AI-powered investor matching: curate investor lists from 60,000+ VCs and angel profiles according to real investment history
• Outreach + follow-up tracking: Keep tabs on who you talked to and what comes next in our full CRM

• Expert-led masterclass: The $400M blueprint from our founder, Charlotte Ketelaar

Whether it’s your first call or your fifteenth, Capwave helps you show up sharp.

🎯 Ready to feel prepared before your next investor call? Start with Capwave

FAQs

How long is the first investor call?
Usually 20–30 minutes. Think of it as a mutual interview.

Do I screen share my deck on the call?
Only if it makes the story clearer, or if they ask. Keep it optional.

What if I don’t know the answer to a question?
It’s okay to say, “That’s something we’re testing now,” or “We don’t have data yet, but here’s how we’re thinking about it.”

What if I don’t hear back?
Send a short follow-up 5–7 days later. If no reply, move on. No hard feelings.

Should I prep differently for angel investors?
A little. Angels may be more informal, but still expect clarity and excitement.

What if they pass?
Ask for feedback, thank them, and keep them on your update list. Many investors circle back later.