OpenVC
OpenVC is useful when
You need a starting map of funds and angels who list a thesis. Treat listed check sizes and stages as claims. Verify before you write a novel to a partner who does not do your round.
OpenVC vs Signal (NFX)
OpenVC vs Signal: two directories, still one company to underwrite
Reviewed August 21, 2026 by Robb
OpenVC is a public-facing investor directory founders use to find who claims to write at their stage. NFX Signal is a network product for finding paths through people. Both can shorten a search. Neither funds you. A list of ‘fits’ is not a round. We care that you do not spend six weeks on tools while the books stay closed.
Signal (NFX)
Signal is useful when
You are hunting paths through a network, not just a directory row. Still a map. The intro still has to be real. The meeting still wants numbers.
Directories lie a little. Everyone’s does.
Theses go stale. Partners move. A ‘seed’ tag on a site is not a mandate. Use the tool to make a short list, then ask a human. Do not paste 200 cold emails from a CSV and call it process.
Network tools are not warm intros
A suggested path is a suggestion. If the mutual will not send the note, you are still cold. Do not log it as an intro in the CRM.
Search after the packet exists
Build the one-pager and the financial truth first. Then search. The other order fills calendars with meetings you will embarrass.
Frequently asked questions
Which directory is ‘better’?
The one that gets you a shorter, truer list. We do not rank them. We rank whether your materials can survive the reply.
Should I pay for investor data?
If it saves time and you will use it. If it is a substitute for talking to customers, no.
Do I need these to raise?
No. Plenty of rounds close on a short personal list and a clean table.