By Fernando Berrocal

What should startup founders put in their pitch deck to achieve a positive funding round?

It may not appear difficult to put up a dozen slides with a few bullet points in return for millions of dollars in startup financing. However, with thousands of startups competing for funding and just one chance to pitch and show to the investors who are the greatest thing for the startup, it's crucial to get this asset right.

To succeed at the pitch deck challenge and create a document worthy of attention and significant investment, there are two major elements to consider. The first is appearance, that's when you've got the right number of slides and the right style. The second, and most confusing, issue is deciding what to put in your deck.

It was recently reported that the pitch deck template designed by Silicon Valley legend, Peter Thiel, highlights the most important slides. It also received guidance on a pitch deck from an Uber competitor that had funded over $400 million. Don't click send or take the stage until you've included 15 items.

1. Information about your startup: This should include your logo and startup name, as well as your contact information so that investors may get in contact with you and arrange a meeting to give you a check. Don't keep this knowledge secret. Your phone number (preferably your mobile phone number) and email address should be featured prominently and easily accessible.

2. The Concept: What exactly is this? Show viewers what it's all about right away so they know it's something they'll enjoy. Typically, a great high-resolution photo and a compelling tagline might be used on the cover slide.

3. The Problem: What is the problem that your startup is attempting to solve? You must put together the what, why, why now (urgency), and why you have the team to do it during the deck.

4. The Solution:  What is your startup's approach to resolving the problem? What role does your company play in the solution?

5. Size of the market: The size of the market and the potential scope of the opportunity should be included in every pitch deck. These are metrics that must be included. Always add credible sources and think in billions. This slide is crucial since it will decide the prospective outcome for potential investors.

6. The Competition: Every startup faces rivals. There's a strong probability you haven't done enough research if you don't know who they are. Put everything on hold and find out.

7. Competitive Advantages: What are your startup's market and competitive advantages over your competitors? What makes you stand out? What can you do better that will have a meaningful impact on customers or profits?

8. The Product: What are the advantages and features? This is an excellent area to utilize photos to demonstrate how your product or service works. If you have an online product or app, taking screenshots is a good idea.

9. Traction: To raise cash, you don't need to be profitable or even have a lot of paying customers. However, the one thing that every potential investor will want to know is how much traction you've gotten so far. What kind of testing have you done so far? What kind of feedback have you gotten from your users? What is the course of your development?

10. Startup Model: What is the basic startup model for getting consumers and making money? Don't get too overly focused on this since plans and tactics will shift. Investors, on the other hand, want to see that you've given this a lot of consideration and that you've come up with something that makes sense.

11. Basic Financial Predictions: Investors will spend the most time looking at the financials slide. According to the research, it's one of the three most crucial slides in your pitch deck. Your burn rate, break-even rate, and how many users you need to earn a profit are all important considerations.

12. Other Investors: What are the names of your other current and past investors? Early-stage investors are encouraged by their ability to raise funds from angel investors and even friends and relatives. It demonstrates that someone else believes in you and is keen to invest in the line for you.

13. Usage of Funds: So, what are your plans for the funds? Should you spend it on rent or on gaining consumers to drive your competitors out of business?

14. Who is Involved in the Situation: Keep in mind that investors are primarily interested in you, not your startup. Alternatively, they may just buy you out on the spot or reproduce the situation for themselves.

15. Thank you: This slide contains your contact information as well as possible statements from the press or other influencers who have positive things to say about your startup.

Summary:  

Startup companies must master the pitch deck if they are to achieve their full potential and raise the capital they require in favorable conditions. It is undeniable that design matters. Yet, design just opens the door long enough to deliver the real meat and demonstrate its worth.

It's possible that impressing angels and VCs with cutting-edge methods, test results, and a great-looking product is less essential than demonstrating that you've put in the work to discover what information to provide. Do not pitch until you have included this information in your deck.

Do you already know what should be in your pitch deck and are ready to bring your startup to the next level? Apply to MassLight’s next batch. MassLight supplies capital and a dedicated tech team. We take equity in return. Have questions? Refer to our FAQ page.

‍

‍