Being a great Tough Tech entrepreneur isn’t just about building a breakthrough technology — it’s about building the right relationships. Your ability to connect with others will shape how you raise capital, hire talent, establish partnerships, gain credibility, access guidance, and understand the market.
But networking can easily become a distraction if you’re not intentional. Instead of trying to meet everyone, focus on building the connections that will help move your startup forward now and in the near future.
Although it can be helpful to go broad and spend your energy meeting lots of people at conferences and big events, the best relationships are built on depth, not volume. The most fruitful introductions are always warm introductions by people who respect you and are willing to open up their network to support you.
To grow a network that lasts, avoid a transactional mindset. People don’t enjoy feeling like you’re only reaching out to them because you need something from them. To build high-value connections, you will need to be able to clearly articulate who you are, what you’re building, and why it matters — while being very thoughtful about using other peoples’ time effectively. Importantly, be generous with how you help others in return. A thoughtful “thank you” email or a quick update on how you deployed someone’s advice with your team can go a long way in keeping allies close.
Here's what you need to know about building your Tough Tech network:
Build intentionally.
Identify who you need: investors, talent, technical advisors, strategic partners, etc. Map the gaps in your current network and focus your outreach to fill them. Use phrases like, “I’m looking to meet [type of person]” so your existing network can help you expand with purpose.
Be present where it counts.
Prioritize attending high-impact industry events and conferences. Apply to incubators or accelerators to plug into existing networks.
Make smart outreach.
Whenever possible, lean on warm introductions, which are far more effective than cold ones. Help your network introduce you effectively by giving them a quick blurb you want them to use when making the connection. When you must cold email, keep it brief and focused: who you are, what you’re building, why you’re reaching out, and a clear, small ask at the outset.
Give first and be generous.
Offer value before asking for it. Consider sharing feedback, providing a helpful resource, giving someone access, making an introduction, or simply acknowledging their work. Helping others builds your reputation fast.
Keep in touch.
Relationships require maintenance. Track relationships with a simple CRM like Notion, Google Spreadsheets, or Airtable and set reminders to follow up. Share updates and milestones regularly to keep allies engaged as your company grows.
