Ask HN: I want an investment for my startup, where do I start?

Can you give an idea of where you are with your start-up? Just because you 'want an investment' doesn't mean your ready. Many people suggest you should get introductions long before you actually need the money.<p>But to answer your question about how to contact investors, the best way is through personal contacts. Depending on where you live, this could be more or less difficult. You'll also need to 'sell' your start-up to the contacts first. I doubt a contact would do an introduction for you without knowing what they were introducing. Use this to your advantage. Pitch any contacts you have who might be able to introduce you to investors. This will also give you practice with your pitch and help you refine it.<p>You can also try AngelList, but my understanding (I've never tried it) is that you'll need to have social proof to really get anywhere on the platform.<p>Are there technology/entrepreneur meet-ups in your area? If so, go to them. You may not meet investors there (though you might), but you will meet other start-ups and somewhere somebody is getting an investment and they have contacts in the angel/VC community.<p>Lastly, keep in mind that it isn't about what 'you' want. You have to sell the investor on your business and you. It's what THEY want. Telling them that you want investment so you can grow your business, etc. etc. I'm told won't get you very far.<p>It is better to tell them what you're building, where it is going, why it is going to change the world and make a ton of money. Ask for advice, not investment. Ask for investment and you'll get advice, ask for advice and you'll get investment.