Pitches N20
What should be on the Pitch deck
Homepage: This is your cover, your face, showcasing how well you can convey information to professionals. It’s crucial to understand what these professionals want to see. This requires stepping back to understand how investment funds and angel investors operate. I break down a fund’s focus into several points:
- Industry (For example, MedTech).
- Funding Round (For example, Seed).
- Investment Size.
- Business Model.
- A brief, one-sentence description of what the startup does. By adding this information to your page, you save time for the person reviewing your PitchDeck. They will definitely appreciate it! It demonstrates the professionalism of your approach.
Breaking down what we see on the page:
- Company Name. If the name is clear from the logo, use the logo. The font size should be larger than the rest, because it’s your company, and it’s awesome!
- Brief Description of Startup and Focus. Highlight this section, as it’s important. Emphasize it.
- Business Model, Client, Startup Stage. This seems straightforward, but remember: The Business Model and Client (e.g., SaaS B2B) should be mentioned at the beginning, as people read from left to right (in English), and it might be missed at the end of a sentence, leading to the conclusion that your PitchDeck is not focused enough. State the stage of the startup without exaggeration to avoid disappointment from wasted time.
- Funding Amount and Usage Plans. Convey this succinctly. For example: “seeking marketing avenues and once found, spending money on that”. Don’t mention valuation at the raising stage, as it’s a negotiation point and serves to intrigue readers to browse through the PitchDeck.
- Startup Niche. As mentioned earlier, the fund or angel might not invest in your industry. This helps to analyze why certain investors dropped out.
- Update Date. Consider adding a PitchDeck version. This critical detail helps to know which version was sent to an investor. It can be hidden, as it’s for your reference, not for the investor.
- Background. I prefer something neutral, except in the fashion industry, where creativity is key. You could watermark your logo in a slightly lighter tone. There’s no such thing as too much branding.
- Image. Optional, but I believe it’s necessary. Firstly, it looks good. A relevant image gives an idea of your niche and should complement, not distract from, the text.
Here are some websites where you can find pitches and investor presentations for reference and inspiration:
1. SlideShare (www.slideshare.net): SlideShare is a popular platform for sharing presentations. It has a wide range of presentations on various topics, including pitches and investor presentations. You can search for specific keywords or browse through categories to find relevant presentations.
2. Pitchbook (www.pitchbook.com): Pitchbook provides a comprehensive database of investment-related information, including investor presentations and pitch decks. It is a valuable resource for researching investment trends and accessing industry-specific presentations.
3. Crunchbase (www.crunchbase.com): Crunchbase is a platform that focuses on startup and investment information. It not only provides detailed company profiles and funding data but also includes pitch decks and investor presentations that have been made public by startups.
4. TED Talks (www.ted.com): While not specifically focused on investor presentations, TED Talks can be a great source of inspiration when it comes to delivering compelling and persuasive presentations. Many TED Talks cover topics related to entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment, providing valuable insights and storytelling techniques.
5. AngelList (www.angel.co): AngelList is a platform that connects startups with investors. It has a section called “Pitch Decks” where you can find examples of successful pitch decks submitted by startups to attract funding. You can filter the pitch decks by industry, stage, and location to find the most relevant examples.
Remember that while these resources can provide valuable guidance, it’s important to tailor your own pitch or investor presentation to your specific business and target audience. Ensure that your presentation highlights the unique value proposition, business model, market opportunity, and growth potential of your company.