You already know what criteria investors use to assess your startup: A detailed description of the problem you’re tackling, the size of your market, prospective rivals, growth models, and your team’s ability to execute.
But how can you condense all of that into a startup pitch deck? How can you condense something you’ve spent countless hours thinking about into a few succinct slides?
Consider your pitch deck to be a business card, a persuasive demonstration that you’re on to something significant. Even if you’re not looking to invest, a strong deck might help you land a meeting with the right investor.
While a fantastic pitch deck won’t earn you a term sheet, you should understand what goes into the best of them, what’s necessary versus optional, and how to effectively present your proposal.
So, what makes a pitch deck worthwhile?
The substance is what distinguishes an excellent financial pitch deck from a standard one. It’s not just about words; it’s about pictures as well.
A pitch deck is a delicate balancing act that can help a company raise money. It does, however, need to emphasise essential data that investors are looking for. As it can be seen in numerous example pitch decks, it comprises market research, predicted growth, and financial estimates such as gross profit.
Your pitch deck should provide a clear and short overview of your company; there’s no need to be too specific. Remember that your goal is to pique the investor’s attention so that you may have more in-depth discussions with them later. Instead of thinking of it as a sales meeting where you’re attempting to clinch a transaction, think of it as a date that could lead to a relationship. Make sure there are plenty of fascinating topics to discuss later.
Your startup pitch deck should be able to provide a clear and succinct vision of the following in its most condensed and focused form:
- What you’ve already done?
- What you intend to do?
- How might funding assist you in achieving your goals?
What Should a Pitch Deck Contain?
Though each pitch deck layout is unique, the following information should be included in yours:
Introduction
The first slide should introduce the financial pitch deck and explain the business in easy language. Businesses usually incorporate a distinct value proposition on their first slide that contrasts their products and services to those of a competitor.
The Issue
You’ll have a hard uphill fight with your business if you’re not solving some problem in the world. On this slide, talk about the problem you’re working on and who owns it. Here, you can communicate current demand explanations, but don’t expend too much time talking about the rivalry landscape; you’ll have another alternative later.
A Differentiated Value Proposition
Your startup’s value proposition should demonstrate how it is uniquely positioned to handle customers’ problems. What new solutions or discoveries has your startup uncovered if your industry is crowded? How prepared is your company to solve consumers’ problems? How well-positioned is your startup for rapid expansion?
Competition
Competition isn’t a flaw. It is a proven fact. Where you show your strength is in how you position yourself against those opponents. Even mentioning how much money your competitors have raised in recent rounds can assist establish credibility and give investors the confidence to put their money into your business.
Marketing
Discuss the marketing strategy and expansion strategy that will bring you (more) clients. Your product/service must be designed with distribution in mind from the start. Although marketing may not appear to be a high priority, your idea must gain traction. And it’s thanks to a comprehensive marketing and distribution strategy.
Team
Who are you, and what qualifies you and your team as the best candidates to bring this concept to life?
Talk about your experience and your story. If you’re on your own, it’s critical to have a team of advisors to help you.
A Few Points to Consider
- Keep your slides basic and plain, communicate high-level concepts, and provide room for questioning.
- Throughout the slides, keep the font size, header, title style, and colour consistent.
- Send your investors the startup pitch deck as a PDF file so they can refer to it later.
- As part of your pitch deck presentation, demonstrate your product.
Parting Thoughts
A pitch deck needs a significant amount of time, effort, and patience. It’s a difficult procedure. Also, there’s a chance you won’t get the investment you seek. But don’t give up. Take note of these guidelines and best practices, and use them to improve your financial pitch deck and startup.
Even though we’ve gone over everything in this article, you’re probably still confused about how to design a startup pitch representation for investors. Undertake this opportunity to contact us.
