How to create a compelling pitchdeck?
A successful startup pitch deck is a powerful tool that can help entrepreneurs secure funding and attract strategic partners. Whether you're seeking investment from venture capitalists, angel investors, or crowdfunding platforms, a well-crafted pitch deck can make all the difference. In this article, we'll explore the key elements of a successful startup pitch deck, and provide tips on how to create one that will help you to achieve your business goals.
At the end of this article you can find the Lakeside Pitchdeck Primer - to serve as a guide to creating an effective pitchdeck. Next to the Pitchdeck Primer included for download at the end of this article we have also compiled a version which contains sample pages from actual pitchdecks. Please send us a note or mail if you want to receive the extended version of the pitchdeck primer.
Your pitchdeck should convey the story of your venture as clear and punchy as you can
A compelling pitchdeck should answer the main questions an investor may have to understand whether he wants to invest or not. To this end we have identified 10-points that we consider to be fundamental in the assessment of a startup to cover all major aspects of a startup:
While you want to have all bases covered you want to tell a good story that is unique to your startup and compelling to investors. Therefore, use the points above and the elements below as an indication about elements that have proven to work but do not let them get in the way of your story.
The introduction or executive summary is the first section of your pitch deck, and is your chance to leave a good impression and capture your audience at page 1. In the intro section you can provide a brief overview of your business, including your mission, vision, and key value proposition. It's important to keep this section concise and to the point (1-2 pages), as investors will use it to quickly evaluate whether or not your business is worth their time and money.
The next section of your pitch deck should focus on the problem that your business is solving and how it's addressing it. This is where you set the context for your business, explain which problem you are addressing and adressing 'll delve into the details of your market, including size, growth potential, and key trends. Be sure to provide data and statistics to back up your claims, and explain how your solution is different from what's currently available.
Once you've outlined the problem and solution, it's important to explain what it is you are offering and how your business works. how your business will make money.
Make your product (or service or offering …) as tangible as possible:
How does your product work? Can you show it in action or provide a link to test it? Why does the customer want or need it? How does it add value from a customer perspective?
In this section, you'll need to provide an in-depth analysis of your market, including size, growth potential, and key trends.
Second, you want to describe your customers: Who are they? What are their pain points and how does your solution address those pain points and add value (customer pains & gains)?. Explain how your business is making money (monetization & revenue streams) and how its unit economics work.
You should also describe your main competitors and explain how your business is differentiated from them. Be sure to include data and statistics to back up your claims, and provide examples of any patents or proprietary technology that you have.
Demonstrate a good (initial) product-market-fit by showing customer examples, references or talking about your pipeline. And show traction: However convincing your business model & team, one factor that investors are likely to pay special attention to is your traction. It is living proof that you have a viable business model that can scale and that your team is executing well.
However convincing your business model & team, one factor that investors are likely to pay special attention to is your traction. It is living proof that you have a viable business model that can scale and that your team is executing well. Some core aspects to cover are:
To bring your market, customer & competition story to a conclusion you hone your arguments to a sharp point – your USP (= Unique Selling Proposition). A USP is a set of specific benefits that makes your business stand out when compared to other businesses in your market. And remember: It only matters if it makes the customer buy (or not). Also, you may want to explain how will you defend and expand your USP over time and vs. competition.
Investors are investing in you and your team as much as they are investing in your business. This section of your pitch deck should provide a brief overview of your team's background and experience, including their key skills and accomplishments. You should also provide information on your team's size and structure, as well as any advisors or strategic partners you've brought on board.
In this section you demonstrate your competence in your area of business: How do you operate? How does that contribute to your success? What are your core assets?
Potentially relevant operational areas to cover:
Now that you have - hopefully - convinced your to-be-investors it is time to explain how you will go beyond and scale your business:
How are you going to build your business over the course of the next 3-5 years? Show that you have thought ahead and have a solid plan & roadmap to reach your goals. Be ambitious but realistic. Any early evidence that you can pull it off? Be specific & use numbers if you can:
After all is said and done it boils down to the numbers: What is your financial plan & what are the core assumptions that drive it?
A few things to consider when showing your numbers:
The (almost) final section of your pitch deck should clearly state how much money you're looking to raise and what you plan to use it for. Be sure to include a detailed breakdown of your fundraising needs, including how much you're looking to raise, the terms of the investment, and the equity you're offering. It's also important to include a clear and compelling use of proceeds section which outlines the specific milestones and objectives the funding will be used for.
You close should be as strong or stronger than your beginning. Leave on a high note and give your potential investor a good reason to get in touch. Use visuals and deliver the final punch: Why should an investor fund you? Is there a give-away, a thought or a offer that may drive the investor from desire to action?
And do not forget to provide your contact details. Who can a potenital investor reach out to to learn more.
In conclusion, a successful startup pitch deck is the key to securing funding and attracting strategic partners. By following the tips outlined in this article, you'll be well on your way to creating a deck that will help you to achieve your business goals. Remember to keep your deck concise, clear and visually appealing, and you'll be sure to make a lasting impression on investors.
To help you get started as quickly and practically as we can please find attached our startup primer as a ppt download. Be aware that the primer is a toolset only and you will still have to write your story yourself.