Ask HN: Advice for someone seeking to raise his first round?

Hi every one!

I am working on a fintech startup. And looking forward to raising money for my first time.

I am looking to raise not more than $300k (seed round?) it may also matter that I am based outside the US.

My basic inquiries are;

1. How do I access VC funding if I don't know any VCs personally? Do I just email them?

2. What should I prepare?

3. What should I watch-out for?

4. What mistakes did u make when raising your first seed round & how would one mitigate them?

5. How do I increase my chances for making a VC invest in my project?