Is the cold email hustle becoming obsolete?

There was a time when founders building new ventures couldn't skip the warm intro game — it was the only way to get noticed by investors. But that world is shifting fast now.

AI-powered pitch tools have leveled the playing field. Founders can now automate and personalize outreach at scale, crafting messages that actually resonate. The result? VCs can't afford to ignore the noise anymore — they have to get smarter about filtering and responding.

Some founders are already ditching the traditional "who do you know" advantage. They're betting that with the right AI toolkit, a killer idea and solid execution matter more than your network size. The gatekeeping is breaking down.

What does this mean for the fundraising playbook? Cold channels are becoming viable again, but only for those who understand how to leverage technology. Investors are adapting too — the rules of engagement are being rewritten in real time. The winners will be those who move fastest and think differently about how capital flows in Web3 and beyond.