How to Send “Investor Updates” as a Student — And Build a Champion Network for Your Career
At HBCUvc, we believe in the power of community — and we know that careers aren’t built alone. That’s why we’re encouraging our students and future founders to borrow a powerful tool from the startup world: the investor update.
What if, just two or three times a year, you sent a short, thoughtful email sharing what you’re learning, building, and dreaming? Imagine how much stronger your network could become.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a simple system to help you:
Build a mailing list of mentors and supporters
Send regular updates (that actually feel personal)
Turn your contacts into champions for your goals
Let’s get started.
Why Investor-Style Updates Work
Startups send updates to their investors to keep them informed and engaged. But the secret is: investor updates aren’t just for founders.
As a student, you’re building your career from the ground up — just like a founder builds a company. The same principles apply:
Keep people in the loop
Make it easy for them to help
Share your journey with honesty and clarity
Done well, these updates can lead to mentorship, internships, funding, referrals, and lifelong allies.
Step 1: Use the Right Tool — Make It Feel Like a Real Email
Forget fancy newsletters. You want this email to feel personal, like something you typed out just for them.
Our Top Recommendation:
Free for up to 50 emails per day
Works with Gmail and Google Sheets
Emails look like direct, plain-text messages
Supports personalization and unsubscribe links
Easy to use for non-technical users
Other options include:
Get Started With Our Free Student Sheet
We’ve created a template to help you organize your contacts and manage your updates.
Download or Make a Copy: Student Champion Network Starter Kit (Google Sheets)
Step 2: Invite People to Join Your Updates
When you meet someone — at a conference, during office hours, or even online — follow up with a short, professional email and ask permission to stay in touch.
Sample Follow-Up Email:
Subject: Great connecting — can we stay in touch?
Hi [Name],
It was great meeting you at [event or setting]. I really appreciated our conversation about [topic].
I send a short update email two to three times a year to mentors and advisors who’ve supported me. Would you be open to being added? No pressure — and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Thanks again for your time and encouragement!
Warmly,
[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn | Email | Website]
Tip: Use your student sheet to track who gave permission and when.
Step 3: What to Include in Your Update
Your update should be short, honest, and easy to scan. Use simple sections like academics, work, and personal interests to help your reader follow your progress. You don’t need to be overly formal — just thoughtful and clear.
You don’t have to include a request in every update. In fact, we encourage you to share authentically, even when you’re not “asking” for anything. That helps your network stay engaged for the long term.
Email Template:
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to share a quick update on what I’ve been up to this semester. I send these updates two or three times a year to mentors and supporters who’ve been part of my journey — thank you again for being one of them.
Academics
Majoring in [your major] at [your university]
This semester I [took a course on / did a project in / explored a topic like] [brief description]
Professional Highlights
Interned at [company or organization]
Participated in [program, fellowship, conference, or competition]
[Any skills developed, new experiences, or collaborations]
Personal or Fun Update
Outside of school and work, I’ve been [reading / traveling / learning / experimenting with] [brief, fun, or meaningful personal insight]
It’s been a great way to recharge and grow outside the classroom
(Optional - Do Not Include In Every Update) How You Can Help
I’m looking for [internship, advice, intro, feedback]
Always open to ideas or feedback
Thanks again for following along and being in my corner. I hope your season is going well — feel free to hit reply if you’d like to share what you’re up to too.
Warmly,
[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn | Email | Website]
Important Tip: Use Merge Tags Carefully
If you’re using a tool like Mailmeteor, YAMM, or Gmass, you’ll be inserting variables like {{First Name}} or {{Company}} to personalize each email. These are called merge tags.
Before sending your update to your full list:
Send a test email to yourself to double-check that merge tags work correctly.
Click through any links in your message to make sure they open properly.
Proofread the subject line and preview text — these are the first things people will see.
A small test can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your email feels personal and polished.
Step 4: Repeat Two to Three Times a Year
Consistency builds trust. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to show up.
When to Send:
Start of the year (January/February)
After spring semester (May/June)
After summer experiences (August/September)
End-of-year wrap-up (November/December)
Keep It Light and Honest — You’re not pitching. You’re sharing and building long term relationships
The Result: A Champion Network That Knows You
These updates don’t just build visibility — they build champions: people who want to support you because they’ve seen your growth, heard your story, and feel invested in your success.
Start today. Even a list of 5 to 10 people is enough to make a difference.
And when you’re ready to pitch an idea, apply for a dream internship, or launch your startup — you’ll have a network of mentors who already believe in you.
