Pitch guide
How to pitch Benchmark
One Series A check, full partnership commitment.
Quick facts
- Type
- Check size
- Stages
- Sectors
- Based in
- Portfolio depth
- Website
- Twitter / X
The 4-step playbook
1. Confirm fit
Before spending a minute writing a cold email, make sure your startup matches Benchmark's actual focus. They're most active at series a stage. If you're outside their thesis, save yourself the rejection.
2. Get a warm intro
Cold inbound to Benchmark works occasionally but the conversion is brutal. Find a mutual connection: a portfolio founder, an LP, or a fellow VC who's co-invested with them. LinkedIn's "see who else they're connected with" view is your best tool. If you have no mutuals, build relationships in their community first — comment thoughtfully on their content, attend events they speak at, get on their radar.
3. Tight 10-slide deck + clear ask
Your deck should be 10–12 slides covering: problem, solution, why now, market, traction, business model, team, competition, what you're raising, and the ask. For inspiration, look at decks from Uber, Twitter, Snapchat — companies Benchmark backed early. See our pitch deck archive for slide-by-slide breakdowns of famous decks.
4. Follow up like a pro
If they pass, ask for one piece of honest feedback and one referral. Don't argue. Don't beg. Investors talk — and the founders who handle no's gracefully are the ones they remember when their next round opens. Keep Benchmark on your update list for 6-month progress mails even after a pass; many funded deals come from second tries.
Frequently asked questions
What does Benchmark invest in?
Based on their portfolio in our index, Benchmark most often invests in AI, Dev Tools, Fintech.
What stages does Benchmark invest at?
Benchmark primarily invests at series a stage.
What's a typical check size from Benchmark?
Benchmark writes checks of $5M–$15M typical Series A.
Where is Benchmark based?
Benchmark is headquartered in San Francisco, USA and was founded in 1995.
How do I contact Benchmark?
The best way to reach Benchmark is through a warm introduction from a portfolio founder or existing LP. You can also visit their website at https://www.benchmark.com for application details. They're also active on Twitter/X (@benchmark).
What are Benchmark's most famous past investments?
Notable historical investments by Benchmark include Uber, Twitter, Snapchat, Discord, Dropbox.