The first pitch deck you send to investors should work like a movie trailer: intrigue and tease instead of telling every detail, so investors want to learn more. It must always answer three questions: who is behind the startup, why the problem matters now, and what the solution is. Leave out slides with mediocre content.
I see so many pitch deck guides online giving you the structure you need to follow, which topics you need to cover, and which slides you need to include. And I teach that in my FundraisingCOUP program as well, however, it doesn’t always mean you have to stick to these guidelines religiously.
Here’s my take on how you should look at your pitch deck.
The first pitch deck you’re sending out to investors should be like a movie trailer
The initial deck isn't a place to spill all the details of your startup's story. Just like a movie trailer doesn’t give away the entire plot, your deck should intrigue and tease, not overwhelm with all the possible information.
Your deck's goal is to create interest and leave investors wanting more, not to answer every question they might have. Think of it as a teaser: it highlights the exciting parts and leaves them eager to find out the rest.
The ONLY 3 non-negotiables
At its core, your pitch deck should always address three fundamental questions:
Who: Who's behind the startup (the founders), and what's the competitive landscape?
Why: What problem does your startup solve, and why does the world need it NOW?
What: What exactly is your solution (=product/service) to solve the big problem?
Crafting a narrative that excites
Follow the next three tips to create a masterpiece of a teaser for your pitch movie:
Storytelling: Include only the slides that best tell your core story and build a strong perception of your case. If certain elements don’t add excitement or value, it’s okay to leave them out and just focus on the things that make investors most excited rather than just try to tick all the boxes.
Avoid mediocre content: Every slide should serve a purpose and convince the investor to invite you to a meeting. If you don't have compelling content for a particular topic suggested by standard guidelines, leave it out. A deck with a few strong, focused slides is better than one filled with “mediocre” material.
Build anticipation, not boredom: Aim to make each slide a step towards building excitement about your startup. Just like a movie trailer, each part of your deck should make investors eager to learn more.
Conclusion
Remember, your pitch deck is the first impression with potential investors. It should intrigue, excite, and leave them wanting to dive deeper into what your startup has to offer. Approach it like a movie trailer – your goal is to captivate your audience and leave them eager to watch the whole thing.
Frequently asked questions
What should the first pitch deck sent to investors do?
Create interest and leave investors wanting more, like a movie trailer. It is not the place to spill every detail or answer every question.
What are the non-negotiables of a pitch deck?
Three fundamental questions: Who is behind the startup and what is the competitive landscape, Why does the problem matter and why now, and What exactly is the solution.
Do I have to follow standard pitch deck guidelines?
Not religiously. Include only the slides that best tell your core story. If you don’t have compelling content for a topic suggested by standard guidelines, leave it out.
Is a short pitch deck better than a complete one?
A deck with a few strong, focused slides is better than one filled with mediocre material. Every slide should build excitement and convince the investor to invite you to a meeting.
