If an investor tells you they're already invested in your space? Always ask for the referral. The worst that can happen is that they'll say "no" a second time.

If an investor tells you they're already invested in your space? Always ask for the referral. The worst that can happen is that they'll say "no" a second time. But who knows? What you're doing may actually be more impressive to them than their current investments and they'd be happy to recommend someone else to you.