From file to useful result
How to ask with this skill installed
Installing the skill gives your AI a method. Your request still has to provide the case-specific facts, constraints and expected output.
1Name the real task
Describe the decision or deliverable, not just the topic.
2Provide the evidence
Add source material, audience, limits and known facts.
3Define done
Set format, quality criteria and checks.
Source example
Replace the brackets with your case
Mistakes to avoid
- Reaching out to the wrong stage investors. Pitching a €50K ask to a fund that writes €5M checks wastes everyone's time. Research check sizes before reaching out.
- No specific personalization. "Dear Investor, I think your fund is great and would love to meet" is a form rejection waiting to happen. Reference a specific investment, post, or pattern they've discussed.
- Asking for "any advice" instead of a specific meeting. Vague asks get vague responses. "Would you have 20 minutes to give me feedback on our market sizing?" is better than "Would love to pick your brain sometime."
- Sending attachments without linking in the email. First email should be short (5-7 sentences) with a PDF deck linked or attached. Don't make investors click through to find your deck.
- Ignoring feedback from passed investors. When an investor passes, ask for 5 minutes to understand why. This feedback is gold — and sometimes they'll revisit when you have more traction.
- Accepting bad terms out of desperation. If you're in fundraising with low runway, you may feel pressured to accept unfavorable terms. Better to cut costs and extend runway than take a destructive term sheet.
- Neglecting your business during fundraising. Fundraising is a full-time job — but so is running your company. Set a fundraising schedule that protects 20% of your time for the business.
- Not having your data room ready. When a VC asks for due diligence, having a messy, incomplete data room signals disorganization. Prepare your data room before you start outreach.
- Disclosing your existing cap table incorrectly. Make sure all share numbers, option pool, and dilution scenarios are fully understood before sharing. Errors in cap table communication can kill deals.
- Forgetting to thank investors. After every meeting (successful or not), send a thank-you email within 24 hours. If you pass on a round, send a brief update when you close. Investors remember professionalism.