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Connection request templates: founder to founder

Founders accept founders. The mistake is writing like a vendor when you have the one advantage vendors don't: you built something too. Four notes that use that.

Paul CassidyBy Paul Cassidy, founder of Prospectio.ai. Ex Google, Salesforce and Twilio sales leader. Updated 4 September 2026.
In short: write as a peer, reference one real thing, and don't pitch. Founders are generous with their network when the note sounds like someone they'd have a coffee with.

Template 1: the milestone

Hi {first name}, saw {company} just hit {milestone}. I’m building {five words on what you do} and watching how you’ve scaled the team has been useful. Would be good to be connected.

Template 2: the shared stage

Hi {first name}, we’re at a similar stage ({company} looks about a year ahead of us). I’m the founder of {company}, working on {five words}. Always keen to know a few people walking the same road.

Template 3: the post

Hi {first name}, your post on {topic} put words to something I’ve been fumbling with for months. Founder here too ({company}). Would like to follow your thinking.

Template 4: the introduction

Hi {first name}, {mutual name} mentioned you when I described what we’re building at {company}. Thought I’d reach out directly rather than wait for an intro.

After they accept

Send a thirty-second voice note within a day. Founders respond to founders’ voices at rates that surprise people the first time they see them. Say why you reached out to them specifically, what you built, and ask for fifteen minutes if it sounds relevant. Then stop.

How Prospectio uses these

Describe your ICP (“founders and CEOs of B2B companies, 20 to 200 staff, UK and Ireland”). The ICP filter qualifies each profile and picks the reference (milestone, post, mutual). Prospectio writes the note in one of the shapes above, sends it, and follows with your cloned voice note after accept.

Frequently asked questions

Should I mention my product in the connection note?

Name what you do in five words at most, only if it makes the reason to connect make sense. Never describe features. The voice note after accept is where the product comes in.

What if I have no mutual connections or shared history?

Use their most recent post or a company milestone. There's always something. If there isn't, they shouldn't be on the list.

See it on your own pipeline

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