How to Pitch Jimmy Wales: Practical Email Tips for Startups
In a straightforward answer, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales outlined what he considers a productive email from a startup seeking his attention. Here’s a condensed guide based on his recommendations, reframed for a professional blog audience.
The core message: email Mr. Wales once you’ve refined it. Before hitting send, review the message multiple times and remove hype. Keep the content concise, clear, and actionable. He suggests focusing on three key elements:
1) What you are doing, in plain terms
– Describe your project in a matter-of-fact way without buzzwords or grandiose phrases.
– Avoid statements like “a world-changing next-generation platform for GenZ” or other vague embellishments.
– Example redraft: “We are building an app that helps users order pizza by comparing prices across local eateries.”
2) How Mr. Wales could help you
– Be specific about the kind of assistance you’re seeking.
– Avoid generic phrases such as “your vision inspired us to contact you.”
– Rather, state concrete requests: board involvement, mentorship, introductions to investors, or access to key decision-makers.
– Example redraft: “We would value your guidance as a board adviser and would appreciate introductions to venture capital partners. We are targeting 10 major pizza chains and would value your connections for high-level meetings.”
3) How he benefits from engaging
– Demonstrate a clear mutual benefit beyond goodwill or charity.
– If your project can be compensated appropriately, outline it plainly (for instance, equity or stock options aligned with development stage).
– Avoid vague appeals like “we’d enjoy meeting young entrepreneurs.” Instead, frame a tangible value exchange.
Practical takeaways for startups drafting such an email
– Lead with a straightforward description of the product or service.
– Include precise asks: board role, mentorship, introductions, or access to strategic partners.
– Explain the potential value to Mr. Wales, including any compensation or equity considerations appropriate to your company’s stage.
– Keep the tone professional, concise, and devoid of hype.
Source reference: Jimmy Wales’s guidance on how startups should approach him for a response, as summarized from his public remarks.
If you’d like, I can tailor this into a polished outreach email template you can adapt for your own startup and stage.
