How To Make A Pitch Deck: A 12-Step Complete Guide For Founders

Did you know that only 1% of startups secure funding from investors? A solid pitch deck can make or break your chances. Your initial pitch deck should outline key information, structure, and purpose to engage investors and prompt further action. This guide will help you craft a pitch deck that stands out and secures the investment you need.

What kinds of pitch deck templates do you need?

Preparing various pitch decks is crucial. To navigate various pitching scenarios, your startup needs a range of specialized pitch decks. Each deck should have a unique purpose and be tailored to resonate with specific audiences. Using a pitch deck template can help ensure that your presentation is both visually appealing and informative. Here are the main types of startup pitch decks you should prepare.

Elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief presentation. It is designed to quickly convey the essence of your startup to make an investor interested in learning more and getting a contact. The goal is to fit it in 30 seconds to 2 minutes timeframe. It is best for networking events, casual investor conversations, and initial introductions.

Investor pitch

An investor pitch deck aims to get funding by covering the market size, financial projections, and growth plan. Its main purpose is to convince investors of your startup’s potential. The deck typically includes an introduction, problem statement, solution, market opportunity, business model, traction, competitive analysis, financial projections, team introduction, funding requirements, and a call to action. This deck is used in venture capital meetings. It is also used in angel investor gatherings, accelerators, and investment competitions.

Sales pitch

A sales pitch deck is designed to persuade potential customers to buy your product by highlighting its value and benefits. The goal is to convert leads into paying customers. It contains an introduction, problem statement, solution, value proposition, product features, customer testimonials, use cases, pricing, and a call to action. This deck is used in sales meetings, product demonstrations, follow-ups, and trade shows.

A partnership pitch deck aims to secure strategic business alliances. It highlights mutual benefits and potential growth. It demonstrates how collaboration can drive success. Key components include an introduction, partnership opportunity, mutual benefits, market opportunity, value proposition, synergies, case studies, implementation plan, and a call to action. This deck is used in initial discussions, negotiations, industry events, and follow-up meetings.

Demo pitch

A demo pitch deck is a visual presentation. It shows off your product’s features. Its purpose is to demonstrate the product’s capabilities and benefits. The deck includes an introduction, product overview, live demonstration, user interface, key features, use cases, customer testimonials, and a call to action. It is used in product demos, trade shows, sales presentations, and webinars.

Customer pitch

A customer pitch deck is made to convert leads into paying customers. It presents your product as the ideal solution to their problems. It highlights the benefits and unique value propositions. The deck comprises an introduction, problem statement, solution, value proposition, product features, customer testimonials, use cases, pricing, and a call to action. It is used in sales meetings, follow-ups, tailored product demonstrations, and webinars.

Using pitch deck templates from platforms like Canva and SlidesCarnival can help you create captivating and functional presentations that impress investors.

How to prepare a successful pitch deck for an investor in 12 steps

Here are some tips on how to improve your presentation to attract investments.

1. Choose Investors wisely

The two most common types of investors are venture capitalists and angel investors.

VCs are detail-oriented and focused on numbers because they manage funds on behalf of a group. Highlight details, metrics, and potential risks when pitching to them.

Angel investors are high-net-worth individuals who act independently. Emphasize the big picture. Highlight the potential upside and the large market your product addresses. Capture the attention of potential investors by addressing the problem, showcasing your team, and presenting investment and use of funds effectively.

2. Do Your Homework on Each Investor

Don’t assume all investors are interested in the same details. Research each investor before your meeting to uncover:

• Startups they’ve previously invested in

• What factors influence their decisions

• The types of questions they typically ask

A simple online search may not reveal everything. But, speaking with founders who have met that investor can provide valuable insights.

3. Tailor your pitch deck to the timing

Your pitch should be tailored to fit the given timeframe. For instance, a 10-minute pitch will differ significantly from a 30-minute one. Also, allow time for questions and answers. This time is often included in the meeting (e.g., a 30-minute meeting might have 20 minutes for the pitch and 10 minutes for questions).

4. Be ready for several attempts

It’s rare to nail your first pitch and secure a deal immediately. More often, you’ll hear ‘no’ several times before succeeding. Each interaction teaches you how to pitch your company better. It shows how to answer common questions and understand investor expectations. Therefore, avoid starting with your ideal investor. Meet with 4 or 5 other investors first to refine your pitch and story. This will ensure you’re well-prepared when you finally meet the investor you most want to work with.

5. Prepare a solid competitor research

The competitor research in your startup pitch deck shows investors who your competitors are and what makes you better. It places your product on the competitive landscape, highlighting your advantages. Demonstrate your industry understanding, market opportunities, competitive edge, and business defensibility.

A lack of competition is a red flag, suggesting poor research or no market demand. Customers often use less obvious methods to address their needs, so include these in your analysis. Investors want a well-researched, comprehensive view of the competition. Additionally, identify your target market to show investors you understand who your ideal customer is and how you plan to reach them.

6. Show investors your team has what it takes

Include a team slide to introduce the key members of your startup team, including founders and key employees, and describe their roles and responsibilities. Highlight each person’s experience in other projects, especially noting any past successes and even failures. This will help answer the investors’ question: “What makes you think you can do this?”

7. Be precise about how much capital you want to raise and how you plan to use it

Avoid obscure requests like, “We’ll take as much as you can give us.” This signals to investors that you don’t know how much funding your company needs. Instead, specify the exact amount you require, detailing:

• The funding amount you’re seeking

• How long this amount will last

• How the funds will be used (e.g., marketing, product development)

• Your goals by the end of this period (e.g., achieving profitability or reaching the next funding round)

Additionally, outline your sales strategy to show how you plan to get your product in front of prospective customers and reach your target market.

8. Showcase Your Product

At this stage, investors will have a general understanding of your product, but now it’s time to dive into details. The key is providing a demo, MVP or a prototype where the investor can understand how your product works.

For example, if pitching an app, ensure core functions work flawlessly during the pitch. Address any issues beforehand to provide a seamless experience. Double-check your demo until the moment of the pitch to ensure everything runs smoothly.

9. Highlight the market opportunity and go to market strategy

It’s tempting to overestimate your market and inflate potential but resist this impulse. Use industry standards, benchmarks, and comparable product successes to support your forecasts. Frame your projections using:

• the TAM shows total potential users of your solution.

• the SAM is the realistic number of customers you can reach. It considers market access, regulation, and logistics.

• the SOM is the specific customer segment your company can reasonably serve under its current strategy.

Discuss your go to market strategy and explain how you plan to enter the target market and what market share are you planning to occupy. Investors prioritize a clear understanding of the opportunity. Mention future plans and how you intend to scale to meet demand if you achieve success.

10. Evaluate the risks

When pitching to investors, it’s crucial to address potential risks to your project or startup. These can include legal challenges, tech hurdles, rules compliance issues, liability concerns, etc. Clearly showing these risks and strategies to minimize them proves your deep understanding of the business landscape. It also reassures investors of your readiness and strength. A successful pitch deck should effectively communicate these aspects to build investor confidence.

11. Don’t start with your perfect investor

It’s unlikely you’ll secure a deal on your first pitch. You’ll likely face several rejections before securing funding. Each ‘no’ teaches you how to improve your pitch, answer common questions, and understand investor expectations. Start with 4 or 5 other investors to refine your pitch before approaching your ideal investor.

12. Be ready for questions and prepare beforehand

After the pitch, be prepared for questions from investors. These could range from details of your financial model to requests for more data about your product. UseHotball.ai to prepare answers to possible questions in advance. Practice your pitch with colleagues, other founders, or a pitch coach. Get feedback and use it to improve your performance. It’s also key to hone the content and the delivery. Your confidence and enthusiasm can greatly boost your pitch.

Raising money is hard, but you can do it

Raising early-stage investment requires a well-crafted business plan and careful preparation. You need to understand the market and convince investors of your startup’s potential. The right pitch deck and strategies can improve your chances.
It can help you get financing and grow your business. Success in attracting investment depends on your business plan, founder charisma, target market, pitch and a bit of luck. It also depends on your ability to build relationships and understand investors’ needs.

Don’t fear rejection. Look for investors and persist despite rejection. This approach is key not just for pitching but for the entire fundraising process.