
How to come up with an engaging pitch deck to get funding
You have just gotten your startup off the ground. So far, so good. Now, all you need is some money to bring your startup vision to life. You have generated solid research and big ideas, but now you have to communicate effectively your plan to investors to see the full potential. It’s time for an engaging pitch deck. That’s the key part of any successful fundraising strategy, so it’s vital to get it right. Perhaps the most important powerpoint you’ll ever create: 10-20 slides of solid persuasion.
It is an undoubted truth that in the startup ecosystem, pitching is all the rage! So, get ready to make a pitch deck that is clear, comprehensive, and impossible to forget. Before you begin, one thing you should always remember is that it’s important to keep your visuals clean and straightforward and avoid including huge tables with lots of lines, numbers and small fonts. Besides, no one will be interested in looking at them! All things considered, you should definitely include, among others, the following slides inside your presentation:

1. The purpose
What your startup does and why investors should care. Nevertheless, avoid all the technical details and jargon; investors need to hear what you’re offering to consumers and what’s in it for them. Technical details, IP sketches and graphs are for later on, once you secure their interest.
2. The problem
Which is the issue you’re solving and the market opportunity you’re meeting? In any case, you should not forget that it’s essential to avoid the use of negative language.
3. The solution
You should make a case for your idea being the most appropriate to solve this specific problem.
4. Why now?
Why is your idea urgent? Is there a new market emerging? Is it revolutionary? If your idea has never been thought of before, you’ll need to explain why.
5. Market
In your presentation, you should include your market size, trends and possible penetration, too.
6. Competition
Research your competitors well, because if your investor finds a competitor you haven’t named, he/she’ll be quick to pass on the opportunity.

7. Product
You need to present a proper analysis of your product and your sales so far. You’ll need to provide plenty of evidence, figures and proof of support.
8. Business model
How you’re making your money, how you’ll bring in revenue in the future, how you market your product/services and how the costs slot into your wider model.
9. Team
You should also introduce who you’ve brought along on your journey, their expertise and why they are a huge asset to your business. Leave any members out that do not add value, and include advisors or non-executive directors to fill any skills shortages in your team.
10. Financials
Last but not least, you should not omit to deliver an executive summary of your startup’s financials and when approximately the investor should expect to make a return.
Now, you’re finally ready to impress your audience. One last thing you should always keep in mind is the “Holy Grail” of pitching: prepare, prepare, prepare! That means rehearsal, rehearsal, and even more rehearsal in front of the mirror, your friends, your team. Also, do not forget to keep track of your time consistency. This will make you feel more confident of what you’re saying and when, or what you are showing.
*With information from: Forbes.com, duarte.com
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