Do you know the one mistake in your pitch deck that can make the difference between you getting funding or going home questioning your business decisions?
After founding 2 companies and helping over 50 startups grow and secure funding, I know what makes a pitch deck stand out. Let me show you a proven pitch deck example that has successfully secured multiple funding rounds and that you can copy and paste for your business.
I’ll show you exactly how to structure your pitch deck, what investors expect, AND I will show you the one secret key ingredient that most people miss.
Lets dive in.
After founding 2 companies and helping over 50 startups grow and secure funding, I know what makes a pitch deck stand out. Let me show you a proven pitch deck example that has successfully secured multiple funding rounds and that you can copy and paste for your business.
I’ll show you exactly how to structure your pitch deck, what investors expect, AND I will show you the one secret key ingredient that most people miss.
Lets dive in.
What you'll learn:
→ How to structure your pitch deck
→ Key tips for each slide
→ What investors really look for
Let's dive in!
→ Key tips for each slide
→ What investors really look for
Let's dive in!
2 Pitching Concepts You Need to Know
We can break down a winning pitch deck into 8 slides and I will show you each of them - but before we get to the 8 slides, two quick notes.
First, when I say pitching, I mean talking to investors face-to-face - not just sending your deck online. If you do that, you need to include more information - but also, let's be real, your chances of getting funded are much lower.
And secondly, you need to know your audience. You would be surprised how many startups just use the same pitch deck over and over again to all investors, without clearly knowing what that particular investor is looking for. So understand who you are pitching to in the first place.
Now let's dive into the 8 key slides.
First, when I say pitching, I mean talking to investors face-to-face - not just sending your deck online. If you do that, you need to include more information - but also, let's be real, your chances of getting funded are much lower.
And secondly, you need to know your audience. You would be surprised how many startups just use the same pitch deck over and over again to all investors, without clearly knowing what that particular investor is looking for. So understand who you are pitching to in the first place.
Now let's dive into the 8 key slides.
Slide 1: The Hook
Your first slide sets the tone. You've got seconds to grab the attention of your audience, so make it count. Investors listen to pitch after pitch, so if you don't grab their attention in the first 30 seconds, you'll lose them.
One of the best ways to hook your audience is to tell a story that people can relate to. Your goal is to connect with your audience on an emotional level.
For example, what we did was this: We were developing an app where people could connect with their doctors and get a reminder when to take their medication.
So we started our pitch like this - we showed a big picture of one of our grandmas and said: "This is my grandma, she has to take 10 pills a day, but she often forgets or mixes them up and doesn't know which one to take first. And I love my grandma, so I want to change that."
That was an excellent hook because everyone could relate to that. We grabbed the investors' attention immediately. So don't put a lot of text on the first slide, tell the story instead.
Now that you've got their attention, it's time to explain the problem.
One of the best ways to hook your audience is to tell a story that people can relate to. Your goal is to connect with your audience on an emotional level.
For example, what we did was this: We were developing an app where people could connect with their doctors and get a reminder when to take their medication.
So we started our pitch like this - we showed a big picture of one of our grandmas and said: "This is my grandma, she has to take 10 pills a day, but she often forgets or mixes them up and doesn't know which one to take first. And I love my grandma, so I want to change that."
That was an excellent hook because everyone could relate to that. We grabbed the investors' attention immediately. So don't put a lot of text on the first slide, tell the story instead.
Now that you've got their attention, it's time to explain the problem.
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Slide 2: The Problem
I often see startups that immediately show off their cool new app, fancy pictures and all that. But no investor cares about your solution if they don't fully understand the problem you're trying to solve.
So on the second slide, you continue to tell the story and show what the current situation is and what the problem is. For example, explain what's inefficient, costly or frustrating about the current situation in your industry.
By the end of this slide, your investors should be nodding their heads and agreeing that this is a problem worth solving. Now here is the twist - any investor who does not agree that this is a real problem will not invest in your solution. This is why it is so important to tell a compelling story that everyone can relate to.
And only then - when everyone understands the problem - we move on.
So on the second slide, you continue to tell the story and show what the current situation is and what the problem is. For example, explain what's inefficient, costly or frustrating about the current situation in your industry.
By the end of this slide, your investors should be nodding their heads and agreeing that this is a problem worth solving. Now here is the twist - any investor who does not agree that this is a real problem will not invest in your solution. This is why it is so important to tell a compelling story that everyone can relate to.
And only then - when everyone understands the problem - we move on.
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Slide 3: The Solution
Now it's time for the reveal - it's time to show your solution. What I like to do before showing the solution to investors is the 'Solution Test'.
Basically, you go to your target audience and tell them what you are doing. If they say, "That makes sense, that's a great idea," then you're on the right track.
And that's what you want your investors to say - you want them to say: "That makes sense, why hasn't anybody had this idea before?"
Quick pro tip - your goal here is not to be fancy, no technical terms. Keep it simple so that everyone will understand it. For example, you could show a demo of your service, a prototype or a video.
Whatever it is, now is the time for visuals.
Basically, you go to your target audience and tell them what you are doing. If they say, "That makes sense, that's a great idea," then you're on the right track.
And that's what you want your investors to say - you want them to say: "That makes sense, why hasn't anybody had this idea before?"
Quick pro tip - your goal here is not to be fancy, no technical terms. Keep it simple so that everyone will understand it. For example, you could show a demo of your service, a prototype or a video.
Whatever it is, now is the time for visuals.
Slide 4: Market
Great, everybody knows the problem and understands the solution. Now it's time to show why your solution is worth investing in. We talk about the market.
• How big is the market?
• Who are the competitors?
• What market share can you achieve?
But remember - investors not only want to see that there is a market, they want to see that the market is growing.
Show data on market size, growth rate and trends that show the potential for your product to gain significant market share. A mentor of mine had a key phrase for this slide - she said "Go big or go home" - so do not be afraid to show bold, big numbers to show the growth opportunities here. But be realistic about your expectations - never mislead investors or show numbers that are unrealistic.
Your goal here is to make it clear that your startup isn't just a good idea - it's a good idea in a growing market with lots of opportunity.
• How big is the market?
• Who are the competitors?
• What market share can you achieve?
But remember - investors not only want to see that there is a market, they want to see that the market is growing.
Show data on market size, growth rate and trends that show the potential for your product to gain significant market share. A mentor of mine had a key phrase for this slide - she said "Go big or go home" - so do not be afraid to show bold, big numbers to show the growth opportunities here. But be realistic about your expectations - never mislead investors or show numbers that are unrealistic.
Your goal here is to make it clear that your startup isn't just a good idea - it's a good idea in a growing market with lots of opportunity.
TAM = Total Addressable Market
SAM = Serviceable Addressable Market
SOM = Serviceable Obtainable Market
SAM = Serviceable Addressable Market
SOM = Serviceable Obtainable Market
Before we dive deeper into our pitch deck template, I wanted to quickly share something that could really boost your startup journey. If you're serious about securing funding and growing your business, check out my Startup Success Bundle.
From finding your idea and developing your product, to building a happy customer base and generating sustainable revenue, you'll learn everything you need to make your startup journey a success.
From finding your idea and developing your product, to building a happy customer base and generating sustainable revenue, you'll learn everything you need to make your startup journey a success.
Slide 5: The Proof
By now, investors should be intrigued, but interest alone doesn't close deals. What really seals the deal is proof. So show them what you have achieved so far.
This could be month over month growth metrics, customer acquisition rates or customer retention rates. Whatever you show here - show the data that puts your service in the best light.
I often get the question:
"But what do I do if I've just started and don't have these numbers?"
If you're early in your journey, you can show other proof of concept - such as active user numbers, customer testimonials, early revenue figures or strategic partnerships that validate your market fit.
The idea is to show that your product isn't just a concept - it's already achieving results. Your investors should start thinking, "This has already got some momentum - I want to get in before it really takes off".
This could be month over month growth metrics, customer acquisition rates or customer retention rates. Whatever you show here - show the data that puts your service in the best light.
I often get the question:
"But what do I do if I've just started and don't have these numbers?"
If you're early in your journey, you can show other proof of concept - such as active user numbers, customer testimonials, early revenue figures or strategic partnerships that validate your market fit.
The idea is to show that your product isn't just a concept - it's already achieving results. Your investors should start thinking, "This has already got some momentum - I want to get in before it really takes off".
Slide 6: The Business case
One of the key questions every investor has is "How does this make money?" So this is one of the key slides - we show how we will make money. We show our business case.
But it's not about saying, "Our product is going to cost $50 a month". Pricing can change all the time, so nobody cares about that.
It is more about the business model behind it. For example, if you go for a freemium model, show how much churn you expect and show the projected revenue.
The more clarity you can give about how your business will generate revenue, the better.
Many startups build their product without knowing their business case - only to find that there is no good way to make money from the idea. I made that mistake myself. So think about your business case and how you are going to monetize it.
But it's not about saying, "Our product is going to cost $50 a month". Pricing can change all the time, so nobody cares about that.
It is more about the business model behind it. For example, if you go for a freemium model, show how much churn you expect and show the projected revenue.
The more clarity you can give about how your business will generate revenue, the better.
Many startups build their product without knowing their business case - only to find that there is no good way to make money from the idea. I made that mistake myself. So think about your business case and how you are going to monetize it.
Slide 7: The Dream Team
You've shown investors the problem, your solution, the market, your growth numbers and how you're going to make money. Now it's time for the key slide and the key insight I want to share with you.
I've talked to hundreds of investors and asked them what they look for in a startup. You would not believe how many of them said:
"It's the team behind the idea."
I was surprised too - I always thought it was about the idea, the market and the money. Yes, those things are all important - but if the team isn't right, you won't get funded. Investors want to see your experience and especially your passion for the idea.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but what I've found works really well is to show your past failures and how you recovered from them. For example, if you have built other businesses, you can show what you have learned along the way.
Investors want to see that you are resilient and that you don't give up when you hear 'no' or when things don't go your way.
They want to see that you can overcome obstacles.
I've talked to hundreds of investors and asked them what they look for in a startup. You would not believe how many of them said:
"It's the team behind the idea."
I was surprised too - I always thought it was about the idea, the market and the money. Yes, those things are all important - but if the team isn't right, you won't get funded. Investors want to see your experience and especially your passion for the idea.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but what I've found works really well is to show your past failures and how you recovered from them. For example, if you have built other businesses, you can show what you have learned along the way.
Investors want to see that you are resilient and that you don't give up when you hear 'no' or when things don't go your way.
They want to see that you can overcome obstacles.
Slide 8: The Ask / The CTA
Now we come to a crucial slide - the ask or call to action. This is where you tell investors what you really want. State exactly how much funding you need and what it will do - investors want to see that you've done your homework.
For example, ...
We need $1 million.
- $500,000 for product development
- $300,000 for marketing and
- $200,000 to scale our team
This shows you have a clear plan. But it's not just about the money - show the milestones that these funds will help you achieve. A great way to do this is with a clear roadmap. Such clear milestones give investors confidence that their money will bring tangible results.
Besides money, strategic partnerships or access to the investor network can also be very valuable. So if you are looking for these things, ask for them clearly. And then simply end with a strong call to action - you encourage investors to connect with you for a follow-up meeting.
For example, ...
We need $1 million.
- $500,000 for product development
- $300,000 for marketing and
- $200,000 to scale our team
This shows you have a clear plan. But it's not just about the money - show the milestones that these funds will help you achieve. A great way to do this is with a clear roadmap. Such clear milestones give investors confidence that their money will bring tangible results.
Besides money, strategic partnerships or access to the investor network can also be very valuable. So if you are looking for these things, ask for them clearly. And then simply end with a strong call to action - you encourage investors to connect with you for a follow-up meeting.
What's next?
These are the 8 slides your pitch deck needs. Keep in mind that you may need to adapt your pitch deck slightly depending on your audience, but the overall strategy remains the same.
You tell the story with the problem and the solution, show the market opportunity, your success so far, how you will make money, your team and then you ask for what you want.
But hey - your pitch deck is just one part of your startup journey, so if you want a proven system to turn your startup vision into the thriving successful business of your dreams, the Startup Success Bundle is for you.
From finding your idea and developing your product to building a happy customer base and achieving sustainable revenue, the Startup Success Bundle has you covered.
Check it out.
You tell the story with the problem and the solution, show the market opportunity, your success so far, how you will make money, your team and then you ask for what you want.
But hey - your pitch deck is just one part of your startup journey, so if you want a proven system to turn your startup vision into the thriving successful business of your dreams, the Startup Success Bundle is for you.
From finding your idea and developing your product to building a happy customer base and achieving sustainable revenue, the Startup Success Bundle has you covered.
Check it out.