Networking for Introverts: Building Meaningful Connections on Your Own Terms
Notes from an introverted, often awkward VC.
One of my favourite things about Dream VC has always been my cohort mates and the larger alumni group. Being part of this community gives me access to the next generation of venture builders who are not only talented but also kind and resourceful.
Beyond the Dream VC community, I've come to realize the importance of connecting with people outside my immediate circle. After all, venture capital is about people.
So, why on earth would an introvert choose this career?
Maybe itās because, deep down, I want to help introverted and underdog founders succeed. Not everyone can be the loudest voice in the room, and thatās okay.
Hereās the thing: whether youāre introverted, shy, or socially awkward, none of these traits define you. Theyāre just parts of who you are.
Throughout my career, Iāve been surprised when people tell me they think Iām great at building relationships or that theyād never guess Iām an introvert. Despite my volatile social battery and my default mean mug, I actually enjoy connecting with people and learning their stories.
Here are a few things that have helped me build my network in my own way:
š§š½āāļø Start in Your Comfort Zone
Operating in spaces where I feel natural makes it less daunting to build connections. From my women-only groups to my house music community, Iāve met an awesome variety of people. Being in my element helps me focus on building genuine relationships instead of worrying about how Iām perceived. Join a community or group and start there.
āš¾ Take Notes
Your memory isnāt as reliable as you think. Early on, I kept a spreadsheet of the people Iāve met over the years, noting their names, contact info, locations, and memorable facts. Listening closely to people makes them feel seen, and keeping notes helps you remember those key details.
šUse the Internet
Iād love to say Iāve mastered talking to five new people at every event, but Iām still working on that. Sometimes, after an event, I write to speakers to thank them for their insights. Even if I donāt connect with them in person, reaching out afterwards still builds a bridge.
š Communicate Regularly
Itās important to maintain relationships before you need anything from them. Iām not saying you should text everyone every day, but small gestures like congratulatory messages or birthday wishes go a long way. I used to worry about being annoying, but many people appreciate being kept in the loop. For some of my mentors, I even send end-of-year updates about my journey.
š« Bring Value
This is the most important point. When you provide value and act selflessly, connections form naturally. You can attend all the coffee chats and networking events you want, but helping others is what builds lasting relationships. It still surprises me when people remember me for something small I did for them or a friend years ago. You may not get standing ovations, but kindness almost always comes back to you.
Things to Keep in Mind:
The world is kinder than you think ā Someone told me this recently, and it stuck. Whenever I hesitate to reach out, worried about bothering someone, they almost always turn out to be eager to help.
Interactions compound ā If you didnāt get the contact you wanted at an event, donāt worry. These small interactions add up over time, so keep putting yourself out there.
Donāt be imposing ā When you meet someone at an event, donāt monopolize their time or aggressively follow up by email.
There doesnāt always have to be an ask ā Sometimes, itās enough to share kind words or your thoughts. You donāt always need to ask for something.
Last week, I attended Moonshot by TechCabal. While I wasnāt panicking about how many people were there, I had the chance to connect with some fascinating founders and hear their ideas. During the Donāt Be a F*@!head masterclass with Kola Aina and Olumide Soyombo, I found myself reflecting on how I can better support the types of founders investors want to back.
I realized I could lend my knowledge to help founders prepare for future investment rounds. So, Iām offering free coffee chats to first-time founders in Africa who are not currently raising funds. We can go over your idea, and explore your narrative, and Iāll provide feedback on steps you could take to iterate and grow as a founder. If that sounds like you, book a chat here: Chat with Me.
Looking forward to connecting with you! And of course, if you see me out in public, please say hi :)
From the Web:
The Drop by Suad Fakih
The āhuge disadvantageā women behind femtech phenomenon face


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