Networking with the Giants-- Good or Bad Idea?

TL;DR: My FoF position has gained me access to a number of big-name investors. Would it be inappropriate for me to reach out to them after I quit to network/chat?


I'm about two years out of school and work at a pretty big FoF. This means that I've worked with a number of big-name investors and funds. I've personally spoken with and exchanged emails with a lot of investors whose name/fund would be recognizable to many on this forum (not saying I've conversed with Steve Schwartzman or Carl Icahn; these are mostly single manager names that are well known only within the industry). At this point, it's not like I have an established professional relationship with these folks; they wouldn't be able to pick me out of a crowd. And I don't think I have the capacity in my role at this moment to really build one (at least separate from my superiors). But if shot them an email saying "I'm ____ from  ______, I've spoken to you about your fund" it might spark their memory. 


Anyway, I intend to quit my job in the next year or so and pursue my own ambitions in a vertical somewhat close to what a couple of these managers do. I'm not starting my own hedge fund, but it's something that some of these investors could provide good perspective/input on. Would it be okay to shoot them an email once I'm no longer part of my current organization, remind them who I am, and see if they would be willing to provide some advice (reminder that I'm not looking for a job with them)? I guess the worst case scenario is they are annoyed at my request and immediately delete the email. But I would certainly feel a little weird about this either way. 

 

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