Pitch guide
How to pitch First Round Capital
First Round Capital has backed 2 of the startups in our index. Here's everything you need to know before reaching out.
Quick facts
- Type
- 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 First Round Capital's actual focus. They're most active at seed stage. If you're outside their thesis, save yourself the rejection.
2. Get a warm intro
Cold inbound to First Round Capital 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, Square, Notion — companies First Round Capital 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 First Round Capital 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 First Round Capital invest in?
Based on their portfolio in our index, First Round Capital most often invests in SaaS.
What stages does First Round Capital invest at?
First Round Capital primarily invests at seed stage.
Where is First Round Capital based?
First Round Capital is headquartered in San Francisco, USA and was founded in 2004.
How do I contact First Round Capital?
The best way to reach First Round Capital is through a warm introduction from a portfolio founder or existing LP. You can also visit their website at https://firstround.com for application details. They're also active on Twitter/X (@firstround).
What are First Round Capital's most famous past investments?
Notable historical investments by First Round Capital include Uber, Square, Notion, Roblox.