Startup Pitch Decks: A Complete Guide
You have launched a startup and are confident about its success. But simply having self-assurance about your startups success isn’t enough. It would help if you won the confidence of investors as well. It is where the pitch deck comes into the picture. It is about creating 10–15 slides and excitingly telling your business’s story. The idea is to earn investment from the VCs of the companies you are pitching.
In this article, you’ll learn how to create a pitch deck and mistakes to avoid during the process.
Slide 1 — Overview of the Company
Most of the presentations are created with a bland slide featuring only the company’s logo. It is recommended to include some info about your company in the first slide. Summarize the problem you are trying to solve and the grip you have created in the market so far.
Slide 2 and 3 — Outline of the company’s team and mission
Add details of your company in these slides. Describe the vision and mission briefly and then include details of your team highlighting every member’s job titles and work experience.
Slide 4 and 5 — Highlight the problems and their solutions
Your startup pitch deck is incomplete without these slides. Here you need to mention the problem and how your startup strives to solve them. Also, explain why these problems need urgent attention and mention your target customers. Next, highlight the solutions and what makes your startup unique.
Slide 6 to 8 — Define your product, customers, and target market
Provide details of your target market describing its value in dollars. Also, highlight how many portions you are planning to address. Use graphs to convey the information. When describing the services and products offered by your company, focus on their key features, what makes these solutions different, and their impact on customers. Also, highlight the milestones your
company has achieved so far.
Slides 9 and 10 — Technology and competitors
Investors are always interested in knowing what the company uses in technology. Mention the trademarks, intellectual property rights, and patents of your company. Also, mention your competitors and how you have the edge over them.
Slides 11 and 12 — Marketing plan and business model
Tell your investors about your company’s means of making money and the techniques used for acquiring customers. The acquisition cost, pricing models, and company’s long-term vision should be included here. In addition, outline the methods of marketing, PR, and early successes of the organization.
Slides 13 and 14 — Current financial situation and request
Investors are always interested in knowing the current financial situation of the company. Therefore, requests should be kept for the last slide. It should contain the amount of funding you seek and estimate financing time. Also, mention the existing investors, especially if they are well-known in the market. It will create a good impression on the prospective investors.
Endnote
Make sure to use easy-to-understand and simple language in your slides. Don’t use acronyms or industry jargon. Also, avoid exaggerating and don’t belittle your competitors. Your only aim should be to spark interest and excitement for your brand.
