Show Me The Money!

Capital calls: the one email your LPs will actually open.
And yet… so many GPs manage to screw them up.

Here’s how to run capital calls like you’ve done this before (even if you haven’t):

⏰ Timing is Everything

• Predictable cadence → Don’t blindside LPs with random asks. Tie calls to deal flow, not desperation.

• Give heads up → 7–10 business days’ notice is the sweet spot. Anything shorter = panic wires. Anything longer = forgetfulness.

• Utilize LP update emails → give a high level on what you’re tracking towards for capital calls in your quarterly LP update emails.

🗣️ Tone & Delivery

• Clarity over cleverness → This is not the place for your poetry. Subject line: “Capital Call – Fund I – Due [Date]”.

• Numbers front & center → State the amount, due date, wiring info. Don’t bury it after a novella about your portfolio.

• Friendly but firm → “Please remit funds by [date]” beats “whenever works.” You’re not Venmo-requesting your roommate.

🔔 Reminders Matter

• Day before due date → Send a polite nudge.

• Day of → Send a firmer one, but keep it professional.

• After deadline → You’re now in the “collections agent” business. Escalate tone gradually.

💸 Wires vs. ACH vs. Chaos

• ACH → Cheaper, smoother, more LP-friendly (especially for smaller tickets), but feels unsexy..

• Wires → Still the standard for big calls, but expensive + annoying. But your LP’s assistant will definitely typo the routing number at least once. Pick your poison.

• Portals → If you’ve got one, use it. If not, at least have wiring instructions that don’t look like a Craigslist scam.

Bonus Frank Tips:

• Test your template → Send it to yourself first. If you can’t find the wiring info in 10 seconds, fix it.

• Resend wiring instructions every time → Otherwise, some LP will inevitably forward you a screenshot of a 2019 email with the wrong account number and ask, ‘Still good?’ Spoiler: it’s not.

• Audit trail → Save PDFs of every notice sent. LPs will ask, and auditors will check.

Capital calls should feel boring, not dramatic.
If your LPs are texting “did you get my wire?” you’ve already lost.
Make it smooth, make it clear, and keep the chaos out of capital calls.

Go get those funds!!!

Till next time,
— Fund1 Frank
Counting ACHs instead of sheep tonight.