# Founder-to-founder introductions

Portfolio founders are one of the [most underused assets in a VC firm's network](/content/blog/the-network-nobody-can-see/index.html). They've built relationships in their industries, have operational credibility, and are often willing to help each other — they just need to know who to reach and an easy way to make the introduction. CTD makes both possible.

## Connecting portfolio founders with each other

When a portfolio founder needs a customer intro, a hire, or a strategic partnership, search CTD for warm paths across your entire firm — including other portfolio founders who are external members. A founder in your B2B SaaS portfolio might have worked alongside the exact enterprise buyer another portfolio company is trying to reach.

Search at [app.ctd.ai/search/all](https://app.ctd.ai/search/all) for the target company or person. If a portfolio founder has a strong path, they'll appear as the best connector.

## Adding portfolio founders as external members

The more founders you add as [external members](/content/guide/article/external-members-what-they-get/index.html), the more valuable the network becomes for all of them. When a founder joins as an external member and connects their accounts, their relationships become searchable across your firm — and they benefit in return from seeing warm paths through your firm's network.

Founders choose what to share — email connections, LinkedIn connections, or both. CTD never accesses message content, only metadata about who they know and how well.

**How to invite a founder:** Go to [app.ctd.ai/invites](https://app.ctd.ai/invites) and send an invitation. Share the [external members article](/content/guide/article/external-members-what-they-get/index.html) so they understand what they're signing up for before they accept.

## Diligence references through portfolio founders

Before you invest in a new company, check whether any of your portfolio founders know the target's founders, key employees, or investors. A reference call arranged through a trusted mutual connection surfaces information that official references rarely do.

## Making the introduction easy

Use [ghost email](/content/guide/article/ghost-emails-overview/index.html) to draft the introduction request for your connector. They receive a pre-written email they can review and send with one click — reducing friction and making it much more likely the intro actually happens. The recipient is CC'd on the reply, so the connection goes directly to them.

Have a question or running into an issue? Email us at [support@ctd.ai](mailto:support@ctd.ai) — we're happy to help.