Investors see hundreds of pitches each year. To stand out, you need more than passion – you need a clear, compelling pitch. A strong pitch deck grabs attention quickly and conveys the essence of your startup in minutes.
As Silicon Valley Bank advises, “Keep your pitch deck short and packed with valuable information”. Every slide should count. Start with a Hook Begin your pitch with why your startup matters.
This could be a short story, a startling statistic, or a key insight about the problem you’re solving. Silicon Valley Bank suggests starting with “a relatable reason” why you’re passionate. For example, explain how you personally felt the pain point your product addresses, or how a large market need is going unmet.
Hook them in those first 15-30 seconds to care about your mission. Crafting Your Pitch Deck Most investors expect a 10–15 slide deck covering core elements.
Key slides should include:
Problem & Opportunity: Clearly describe the problem your customers face. Use real numbers or anecdotes if possible.
Solution:
Show how your product or service solves that problem in a unique way.
Market Size:
Demonstrate the Total Addressable Market (TAM). Big markets excite investors. Traction/Validation: Share any evidence that customers want this – could be users, revenue, growth rates, partnerships.
Business Model:
Explain how you make money (sales, subscriptions, ads, etc.).
Competition:
Briefly mention who else is in the space and your competitive advantage. Go-to-Market Strategy: Outline how you plan to acquire customers.
Team:
Highlight the founders’ backgrounds and why this team can win. Financials & Projections: Show key numbers (e. g.
revenue, expenses, expected milestones).
The Ask:
Clearly state how much funding you’re seeking and what you’ll use it for.
Investopedia sums it up:
“At a minimum [a pitch deck] should clearly articulate your company’s mission, the problem you are solving, your solution, the market opportunity, your team and financial projections.”.
Don’t bury the essential facts:
investors should never ask “what do you actually do?” or “who are you targeting?” after your pitch.
Designing Slides Keep it Visual:
Use bullet points, charts, and graphics rather than long text blocks. One key idea per slide. Consistent Branding : Use a clean template with your logo and brand colors.
Readable Fonts:
Ensure text is big enough; avoid clutter. Storytelling and Clarity Telling a story helps make your pitch memorable. For example, start by illustrating your customer’s frustration, then take them on a journey: “This is how our solution changed that story.” Silicon Valley Bank recommends focusing on clarity over buzzwords – avoid jargon like “next-gen” or “cutting-edge” unless you explain them.
Stripe and others emphasize simplicity. They note that customers buy on simplicity, so your pitch should too. Concrete details win over vague claims.
Show rather than tell:
if you have a demo, use it. As SVB points out, a live product demonstration often speaks louder than slides. Tailor to Your Audience Know your investor’s focus.
Are they industry specialists or generalists?
Are they on the lookout for disruptive tech or solid market opportunities? If possible, mention any mutual connections or shared interests.
And always practice answering:
“Why us?” – why this team and product? Delivering Your Pitch Be Concise: Aim for a 10–20 minute presentation, leaving time for questions. Researchers note investors typically spend just a few minutes per deck, so your pitch must punch hard and fast.
Speak Clearly and Passionately:
Show your excitement for the project. But balance passion with professionalism – know your numbers.
Body Language:
Maintain eye contact, sit or stand confidently, and avoid filler words.
10. Q&A Prep: Anticipate tough questions (e. g.
about competition, unit economics, risks) and have clear, honest answers.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid Overloading Slides:
Don’t cram text or too many slides. Each deck should be laser-focused on the essentials.
Underexplaining:
Don’t assume investors know your space. Briefly explain technical terms or market context.
Ignoring Competitors:
Never claim you have “no competition” – that raises red flags. Better to say you have different (or better) advantages.
Skipping the Ask:
Investors must know exactly how much you need and why. State your funding request clearly on the final slides. Tools and Examples Pitch Deck Templates: Tools like Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Canva have pitch deck templates (e.
g. Sequoia, Guy Kawasaki). Customize them for your brand.
Case Studies:
Look up famous pitches (Airbnb, Uber, etc.) for inspiration. For example, early Airbnb pitches emphasized the addressable market of events where hotels are full.
Practice Platforms:
Consider pitch practice clubs or mentors. Even recording yourself can highlight areas to improve. Follow-Up After the pitch, send a follow-up email thanking investors for their time.
Include your deck as a PDF and offer to answer further questions. Persistence matters; if feedback is lukewarm, refine and try again.