Below is a practical, step-by-step playbook to find local investors for a tech startup — who they are, where to meet them, how to approach them, and what to prepare.

1. Identify what “local” means and who to target

• Define radius (same city, metro area, within 2–3 hours).
• Target types: angel investors (individuals), angel groups, early-stage VC firms with local presence, corporate venture arms of local companies, university tech-transfer / alumni investors, seed-focused accelerators/incubators, family offices, and strategic/local corporate partners.

2. Where to find them (places & channels)

• Local angel groups / syndicates — many metros have formal groups that meet monthly.
• Accelerators & incubators in your city (Demo Days are investor-heavy).
• Local VC firms with offices nearby or that list your region in their focus.
• University entrepreneurship centers / tech transfer offices and alumni networks.
• Startup meetups, pitch nights, demo days, hackathons (check meetup sites, Eventbrite).
• Co-working spaces and startup hubs — they host investor events.
• Local business/industry associations and chambers of commerce.
• Small-business development centers and economic development authorities (may connect you to investors/grants).
• Professional services firms (startup-focused law firms, accounting firms) — often refer investors.
• LinkedIn — search for “angel investor,” “seed investor,” or investors by company and filter by location.
• AngelList (now Wellfound) — search investors and syndicates and filter by region.
• Twitter/X and industry Slack/Discord channels — many local investors are active there.
• Personal network / alumni / mentors — warm intros are highest converting.

3. Prepare before outreach (what investors expect)

• One-page executive summary (problem, solution, market, traction, team, ask).
• 10–12 slide pitch deck (clear problem, product, go-to-market, competition, traction, financials, team, ask).
• Key metrics: MRR/ARR, growth rate, CAC, LTV, churn, active users, retention, runway, burn rate. For pre-revenue: prototypes, pilots, LOIs, user metrics.
• Cap table and fundraising history (previous investors, valuations).
• Clear funding ask: amount, use of funds, and proposed terms (SAFE, convertible, equity).
• Demo or prototype ready; a short video or product screenshots.

4. How to approach — sequence and tactics

• Warm intros: ask mutual contacts for email introductions. Use LinkedIn to find mutual connections.
• Attend events and follow up: meet at local events, get a business card, email within 24–48 hours with a tailored note.
• Cold outreach: concise, personalized email (one short paragraph + ask for 15 minutes). Reference local connection / portfolio fit.
• Use investor platforms: apply to accelerators or submit through AngelList/Wellfound or local angel portals.
• Pitch nights / demo days: apply and practice a 1–3 minute pitch; follow up with attendees afterward.
• Syndicates & lead angels: find a local lead angel who can syndicate a round — easier than many one-off angels.

5. Script / sample cold email Subject: Quick intro — [Startup name] (local, [one-line traction/why it matters]) Hi [Investor name] — I’m [Your name], founder of [Startup], a [one-sentence value prop]. We’re based in [city] and have [traction e.g., “$10k MRR / 10 pilot customers / prototype + LOI with X”]. We’re raising $[amount] to [use of funds]. I’d love 15 minutes to share our deck and learn if this fits your focus. Are you available next week for a quick call? Best, [Name] [Phone] [One-line link to deck or demo]

6. How to pick the right local investor

• Domain expertise: investor experience in your sector or business model.
• Stage fit: some angels prefer pre-seed, some only seed/series A.
• Check past investments and outcomes (exits, follow-ons).
• Value add: network, potential customers, recruiting help, follow-on capital.
• Check references — speak with founders they’ve backed.

7. What to do at meetings / what investors want to hear

• Concise problem & solution.
• Clear, measurable traction or credible plan to get traction.
• How capital will be used and milestones you’ll hit with this round.
• Realistic understanding of competition and risks.
• Team strengths and key hires needed.
• Ask for feedback and next steps at the end of the meeting.

8. Follow-up & conversion

• Send a short thank-you + requested materials within 24 hours.
• Provide consistent, concise updates (biweekly/monthly) on progress.
• Be transparent about the cap table and other interested parties.
• For local investors, offer in-person updates/demos — face time builds trust.

9. Legal & logistical notes

• Use simple documents for early rounds (SAFE, convertible notes, or priced rounds with clear counsel).
• Engage a startup lawyer for term sheets and closing.
• Understand local securities rules if raising from many local individuals (state blue sky laws in the U.S.) — counsel will help.

10. Quick checklist to start today

• Build a one-page summary + 10-slide deck.
• List 25 local investors/angels/VCs and rank by fit.
• Identify 10 mutual contacts for warm intros.
• Find 3 upcoming local events to attend this month.
• Prepare a 60-second and 3-minute pitch.
• Set outreach cadence: 10 personalized emails/week + event follow-ups.

11. Useful outreach mindset & best practices

• Personalize every outreach — mention a portfolio company or local tie.
• Be concise and respectful of time.
• Track communications (CRM, spreadsheet).
• Treat meetings as learning — even “no” can become a warm lead later.
• Prioritize building relationships, not just raising money.

If you want, I can:

• Draft a personalized cold-email sequence tailored to your startup (include sector, traction, and target city), or
• Review and tighten your one-page summary or 10-slide deck (paste it here) for local investor outreach.

Which of those would you like me to do next?