Never simply give them a list of names. But if you're starting to get serious interest from some VCs, you can convey this in various vague ways to other VCs to make them interested.

(Never try to fake this. VCs have a lot more practice detecting such lies than you have making them.)

Thanks.. I wouldn't ever try and fake it. All the interest we have is real (we haven't gone after funding yet, all the VCs have contacted us) as I mentioned before, I'd rather not get involved in tactics. Always better to let the product do the talking. But appreciate the fact that I shouldn't explicitly give names.

You should check whether the people from VC firms who've contacted you are associates or partners. If they're associates, you're no closer to a deal than if they hadn't contacted you.

Thanks for the tips pg. Of the people we've spoken to, its been a mix of associates and partners. I guess what you are saying is that none of it really matters until you get a term sheet. That's fine with us, since we are not desperate for money. The type of value add we're looking for is guidance/networks/advice, not monetary.

so i'm a VC and i don't bother to ask that question. there is no value in asking that and not a question you want to answer IMHO. Most important is to get referred into a VC if possible from someone who trusts you and who the VC knows well. VCs are a lot more frank with a trusted referrer usually than they are with the entrepreneur and the referrer can signal that the deal is getting traction. That seems to matter, probably too much, to most VCs.

thanks for the tips. i guess the weird thing about our situation is a lot of VCs have contacted us. we're super early stage and weren't explicitly looking for funding. but as a result, we've had some awesome meetings and built some really good relationships. is it weird for VCs to contact entrepreneurs directly without referrals?

How do you think the VCs heard about you to start getting in touch? Are your private alpha users that influential? That's a pretty good sign.

And can I try your site? I signed up with the email kfischer at gmail

I've worked really hard over the past few months to get the word out. I have a really active blog, and that helps a lot. Most of the interest has come through the blog. Leaving thoughtful comments on big blogs, twitter, and attending open coffees. It all adds up. Rather than focus on the big things, I've just spent a lot of time doing little things to build the buzz. I don't think it's our private alpha users - they would not be connected to VCs. Most VCs have said they stumbled across my blog or the site and liked the vision.

Just sent you an alpha invite.

I think it depends on how confident you are that the 'other investors' you mention want to invest.

If they want in, you could be seeding an ego battle which your startup can leverage to get better terms.

If they don't and start dissing your startup then you could be shooting yourself in the foot.

I guess we'd rather sit tight and let our product do the talking. The more I think about it, the better that strategy seems!

Always, always, politely decline from naming another firm. It never does any good.

I once read somewhere that they will tell each other anyway, because they all know each other. I don't know if it is bad form to tell them anyway, but bear in mind that they might know the truth anyway.

They don't tell each other everything. So while you have to assume that anything you say to one VC might be told to any other, you can never take it for granted that it will.

Good point. I guess 'the truth' for us is not a bad thing. I'd rather they know that we have some pretty good options but I don't want to sound swarmy or conceited. To be frank, we are honored that people are interested in our product, but just want to make sure we give our startup the best chance of survival.

They certainly do ask that question 100% of the time. It's definitely not bad form, but it might be to your disadvantage. They will probably find out anyway though.