The art of pitching an investor involves selling an idea or company to a potential business partner. But raising financing in this way, although common, is not the only way to get investment in a new venture or business-related opportunity. However, entrepreneurs make some mistakes while making a pitch deck. Some of these are :
1. No information about the team :
Many investors look at the team as the most important aspect of a business. If the group includes a serial entrepreneur, even better!
2. Missing competitive landscape :
Always prepare for competitive landscape analysis. If you don’t, it’s likely the startup will suffer.
3. Information about current customers :
It is important to include current customers to give an overview of the business to the investors.
4. Not reviewing other decks :
Spending time studying pitch decks created by other companies in your industry can give you better insight.
5. Pitch deck of more than 15-20 slides :
Don’t make a pitch deck of more than 10-15 slides. Investors would like to see an overview of the business only.
6. NDA signing :
Investors have a policy of signing NDA before delivering information. This should not happen for the betterment of the startup.
7. No proper introduction :
Start with an email introduction so investors know something about your business and ideas through the pitch deck.
8. No information about investors :
It is important to have some knowledge about the investors and how much they would be investing in your idea.
9. Start with friendly investors :
Every time you make a pitch deck, it is essential to pitching friendly investors first. It helps in better investment planning.
10. Sensing vague Emails :
Investors get a lot of cold emails but don’t have time to read them all. Don’t send vague emails as no one has time to read them.
11. Market Growth :
While preparing a pitch deck, investors need to know about the market growth and how it will affect the business.
12. Pitching tough questions :
In the presentation, don’t ask hard questions which would engage in some vague talks. Make it unique.
13. Including false values :
It is not advised to put false values and projections in the pitch deck which can’t be achieved by the business later on.
14. No proper marketing strategy :
Include a marketing strategy that would keep the product at a certain height in the market for the consumers.
15. Long Term Value :
Investors know the importance of long-term growth. Introduce it in the pitch decks to keep them aware of it.
16. Potential Risks :
Include the risks that would be there while investing in the business. Investors should know about it from the pitch deck.
17. Not including a demo :
The demo is necessary for a better introduction of a pitch deck to the investors. Through it, they can know more about the business.
18. Use of funds :
Investors should know where you would be using the funds for the business. Investors need to know it through the pitch deck.
19. Key assumptions :
Include the key assumptions of the business in front of the investors. It is important to know where the business will be in a few years.
20. No explanation of services:
Product and service are the main components of your business. Tell your investors more about it through the pitch deck.
21. Include intellectual property :
Include patents, copyrights, and other essential things in the pitch deck so that investors know more about the company and business.
22. A personal thank you :
When you send a heartfelt note of appreciation to each investor, it creates a special connection for future business. Include it in the pitch deck.
