How DBS Connected with 70+ Investors Through Founder-Investor Roadshows
Client Profile
DBS Bank needed to establish relationships with investors and their portfolio companies, positioning themselves as a banking partner for startups during their fundraising journey.
The Problem
DBS faced challenges in reaching the startup and investor ecosystem:
- Limited visibility among early-stage and growth-stage founders
- Needed to build relationships with venture capitalists and angel investors
- Traditional banking outreach doesn’t work with the startup ecosystem
- Required trust-building with both investors and their portfolio companies
- Needed to demonstrate understanding of fundraising challenges
The core challenge: How do you position a bank as a valuable partner in the fundraising ecosystem without coming across as just another financial service provider?
Our Approach
We created a multi-city roadshow bringing together founders and investors for meaningful networking and conversations.
Phase 1: Curating the Right Audience
Building a qualified attendee list:
- Identified 200+ founders from seed to Series B stages
- Targeted companies actively fundraising or planning to raise capital
- Invited 70+ venture capitalists, angel investors, and fund managers
- Focused on three major startup hubs: Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore
Why this worked: Brought together the exact audience DBS needed to reach—both decision-makers (founders) and influencers (investors).
Phase 2: Investor-Founder Roadshow Events
Creating high-value networking experiences:
We organized exclusive roadshow events across three cities:
Event format:
- Intimate gatherings with 60-80 attendees per city (mix of founders and investors)
- Panel discussions on fundraising trends, startup growth, scaling challenges
- Investor-founder 1-on-1 networking sessions
- DBS positioned as an ecosystem enabler, not a vendor
- Presentations on how banking partners can support fundraising journeys
Topics covered:
- Fundraising strategies in current market conditions
- Building investor relationships
- Financial planning for growth-stage startups
- Managing runway and burn rates
- Banking infrastructure for scaling companies
Why it worked:
- Founders got direct access to investors
- Investors discovered new deal flow
- DBS demonstrated value by facilitating connections
- No hard selling—focus on ecosystem building
Phase 3: DBS Service Showcase
Natural introduction to banking solutions:
During events, DBS showcased relevant services:
- Startup banking packages and credit facilities
- International payment solutions for global expansion
- Treasury management for growing companies
- Connections between portfolio companies and investors
Approach: Services were presented in context of solving real fundraising and growth challenges, not generic banking pitches.
Phase 4: Social Media Amplification
Maximizing reach beyond attendees:
- Live coverage from all three city events
- Founder and investor testimonials shared on LinkedIn
- Key insights from panel discussions posted across social platforms
- Event highlights and networking moments captured and distributed
- Tagged attendees and speakers to amplify organic reach
Results: Event content reached far beyond the 270+ in-person attendees.
Phase 5: Post-Event Connections
Converting relationships to partnerships:
- Scheduled follow-up meetings between interested investors and DBS team
- Connected DBS relationship managers with relevant founders
- Shared investor contacts with DBS for ongoing relationship building
- Facilitated warm introductions between DBS and portfolio companies
Results
Campaign Outcomes
In-Person Engagement:
- 200+ founders attended across three cities
- 70+ investors participated in roadshow events
- 90% attendance rate (vs. 60-70% typical for startup events)
- Average NPS score: 9.1/10 from attendees
Investor Connections:
- 70+ investors connected with DBS team
- Multiple ongoing conversations about portfolio company banking needs
- Several investors introduced their portfolio companies to DBS
- DBS gained access to deal flow and early-stage company pipelines
Brand Awareness:
- 1 million+ social media impressions
- High engagement and LinkedIn shares from attendees
- DBS positioned as startup ecosystem champion
- Significant organic reach from investor and founder networks
Business Impact:
- DBS became known name in startup banking circles
- Multiple portfolio companies opened accounts post-event
- Investor relationships created ongoing referral pipeline
- Established DBS as preferred banking partner for fundraising startups
Geographic Coverage:
- Successfully reached startup ecosystems in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore
- Built relationships in India’s three largest startup hubs
- Created replicable model for future city expansions
Key Success Factors
- Value-first approach – Facilitated founder-investor connections before talking banking
- Multi-city presence – Reached startup ecosystems where they are
- Curated audience – Handpicked founders and investors, not open registration
- Ecosystem building – Positioned DBS as enabler, not service provider
- Social amplification – Extended reach far beyond in-person attendees
- Warm introductions – Investors referred portfolio companies naturally
Facing Similar Challenges?
If you need help with:
- Reaching startup founders and investors
- Building relationships in the venture capital ecosystem
- Positioning your services for fundraising companies
- Creating high-value networking events
- Connecting with portfolio companies through investors
- Generating visibility in startup hubs (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore)
Our roadshow format and community access can connect you with India’s startup ecosystem.
