Networking with a Boutique IB Founder - suggestions

Hi everyone, As the title says I have been really trying to network as much as possible in the hopes of securing an internship in IB in London. I have c. 2 years working in backend of a BB firm but nothing from the Uk. I feel this has been my biggest challenge while applying so far.

As such in trying to reach out to boutiques I sent requests to many folks from a boutique firm (20+ years old) and looks decent enough. While no one has accepted my requests yet, I got connected with the founder directly.

What would you guys suggest I do? Is it a good idea to reach out to the founder directly? And if yes, what would you say is the purpose of the networking chat? I cant expect him to guide me about the process - I might get no replies from him. He possibly accepted my request because we share the same alma mater for undergrad but he graduated before I was even born.

Would appreciate any suggestions please.

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