How startups can get noticed by Silicon Valley investors: advice from Draper University

Waleed Arshad, Vice President of Corporate Relations and Partnerships at Draper University, spoke to The Tech about how Central Asian startups can expand into the US market, attract American investors, and build connections in Silicon Valley. He explained what founders should prepare before entering a new market, what investors look for in startups, and why networking is essential for international growth.

Waleed Arshad, Vice President of Corporate Relations and Partnerships at Draper University, LinkedIn

About Draper University

I am the Vice President of Corporate Relations and Partnerships at Draper University. I have been part of the organization for five years. Before that, I was also a founder backed by the Draper ecosystem. My startup was acquired by another company in 2024, and since then, I have been helping founders grow their businesses.

What differentiates Draper University is our ability to identify entrepreneurial talent at an early stage. The Draper family has been investing for 45 years, building extensive experience and connections across Silicon Valley.

Our programs are different from traditional accelerators and incubators. I would describe them as pre-accelerators. We work with early-stage startups that already have an MVP and customers, helping them access new markets, find potential clients, and develop the skills needed to scale.

We support founders from the earliest stages of their journey through to an exit or acquisition. For the past three years, we have welcomed entrepreneurs from Central Asia to our flagship five-week Hero Training program. We have also invested in a startup from the region, and several participating founders have gone on to raise significant funding.

We also offer Silicon Valley immersion programs for more established startups. Companies already generating between $1 million and $2 million in revenue often cannot dedicate five weeks to a training program. Instead, we bring their teams to Silicon Valley, identify their needs, and connect them with corporations, venture capital firms, and potential customers.

Our goal is to help these companies enter new markets, launch pilot projects, attract investment, and establish long-term business relationships.

How to prepare for entering the US market

One of the biggest mistakes founders make is focusing too much on their products while neglecting market expansion. They constantly think about improving features and functionality, but entering a new market requires just as much attention.

Expanding internationally is a full-time responsibility, much like fundraising. Many founders arrive in Silicon Valley without sufficient preparation and try to figure everything out once they get here. This slows down their progress and makes it harder to achieve results.

Companies planning to enter the US market should start preparing well in advance. This includes company registration, immigration status, visa arrangements, and other practical matters. Timing is also important. Founders should consider national holidays, summer and winter seasons, and determine when potential investors and partners will be available for meetings.

Building relationships should begin long before arriving in the US. Once you decide to expand, start connecting with potential investors, customers, and industry professionals. These early conversations can eventually lead to meaningful partnerships.

Draper University can also serve as a starting point. Founders can participate in our programs or use our facilities as a base while exploring Silicon Valley. Our network can help them connect with relevant companies, investors, and potential customers.

What American investors look for in startups

In most cases, American venture capital firms prefer investing in companies registered in the US. However, this depends on the investor’s strategy and whether the startup intends to expand into the American market.

Not every company needs venture capital. Some startups can grow through bootstrapping, while others, particularly those developing hardware or complex technologies, require substantial external funding.

Once founders decide to raise investment, someone on the team should take full responsibility for the process. Fundraising is not a part-time activity. It requires consistent communication, relationship-building, and preparation.

At Draper University, we are always open to reviewing new startups and introducing founders to venture capital firms. If a company does not fit our investment strategy, we can reach out to other investors within the Draper ecosystem or our broader network.

Our investment approach focuses primarily on entrepreneurial talent. We invest at very early stages, so the founder and founding team are especially important. Even the greatest idea can fail without the right people behind it.

We look at whether founders have relevant experience, understand their product, and know the market they want to enter. We also evaluate market size, potential returns, and the competitive landscape.

Not every successful startup needs to become a unicorn. A company can build a strong business and eventually be acquired. That can also be a successful outcome for founders and investors.

Our portfolio includes companies working in AI, gaming, deep tech, and biotechnology. One example is 1047 Games. Over the past two years, we have also invested in approximately five biotech companies.

Ultimately, we want to support breakthrough businesses that have the potential to transform industries over the next 10 to 20 years.

How to build connections in Silicon Valley

Cold outreach is one of the most effective ways to connect with investors, entrepreneurs, and potential partners in Silicon Valley. The ecosystem operates differently from many other markets because people are generally open to helping one another and sharing their experience.

However, reaching out to someone is a skill that founders need to develop. You should know how to write a clear, concise message, explain why you are contacting that person, and communicate what you want to achieve.

Following up is just as important. I might contact someone three or four times before receiving a response. Founders should not give up after sending a single email. Consistent follow-ups can eventually open doors.

When it comes to venture capital, securing one strong investor can also encourage others to participate. It creates a domino effect, making it easier to attract additional funding.

For startups seeking corporate partnerships, preparation is essential. We have introduced founders to large companies only to discover later that their products were not ready for deployment at the corporate level.

Before approaching major corporations, startups should make sure they can deliver their solutions at scale. If a company is ready for B2B partnerships, our team can help connect it with potential customers and corporate partners.

Opportunities for Central Asian startups

I have seen considerable progress in the Central Asian startup ecosystem. Startups from the region are becoming increasingly visible internationally, and governments are playing an important role in supporting this development.

Major technology leaders are also paying attention to Central Asia. I have seen events in the region attended by NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and other prominent industry figures. This kind of international engagement shows how much attention the region is attracting.

Cooperation between Central Asian countries is another important advantage. By supporting one another and developing stronger regional connections, startups can gain greater visibility and access more opportunities.

For founders planning to visit Silicon Valley, my main recommendation is to organize meetings before arriving. Do not wait until you land to start contacting people. Your schedule should already include conversations with potential partners, investors, and customers.

It is also important to understand what you want to achieve during your visit. If you have only seven days, make every day count. If your goal is to expand your network and increase visibility, consider organizing an event where people can meet your team and learn about your startup.

I particularly recommend small dinners as a way to build relationships. They create an opportunity for meaningful conversations with a carefully selected group of people, without the distractions of larger events.

We have been working with Central Asian founders for the past three and a half years, and we hope to continue supporting the region’s entrepreneurs for many years to come.