How to Prepare a Pitch Deck for Startup Investors

Creating a pitch deck might feel overwhelming, especially if you're just starting. You're not alone if you've been searching for guidance but feel lost in the process.

Don't worry—this guide will make it easy for you!

This blog will cover everything you need to know about startup pitch decks—which requires one, the strategies to use, and the process of developing one.

What is a Startup Pitch Deck?

A Pitch Deck is a visual presentation used by Startups to communicate their business ideas, vision, and potential to investors when pursuing funding opportunities.

It helps highlight the business's key aspects such as growth opportunities, financial projections, and market opportunity, which makes the investors evaluate the potential for success. 

Why does every startup Need a Pitch Deck? 

Many startups require a pitch deck, but do you know why it’s essential? 

A pitch deck is crucial for any startup looking to attract investors and secure funding. Here are the key reasons why startups need a pitch deck:

• Marketing deck: Pitch decks are marketing decks because our primary objective is to convince the businesses or investors of our business profiles to work with them. 
• Clear communications: A pitch deck enables startups to communicate their vision, mission  & business models effectively to potential investors.
• Introduces the product or service: It introduces a concise explanation of the product or service offerings, making it easier for the investor to understand the solution.
• Projected revenues: The pitch deck includes the financial forecasts, showing the investor knows the startup's plan to generate revenue and achieve profitability.

The points mentioned above emphasize why a startup needs a pitch deck. 

How to Prepare a Pitch Deck: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing a pitch deck for startup Investors can be a daunting task, but it doesn't look like it with the help of professionals.

For preparing a Pitchup for Startup Investors we just need to keep a few points in our mind. Let's discuss the step-by-step guide:

1. Start with a concise introduction: Firstly start your pitch deck by introducing your company profile, vision, and mission.
2. Approach the problem: Showcase what problem your startup will solve and the pain points of your business problems. It is easy for the investors to know the startup will solve the problems.
3. Issue resolver: After pointing out the problems, tell the investors what problems your startup will resolve for the goods or services provided by them.
4. Business models: Define your business models, and how the revenue will generate, customer acquisition, pricing etc.
5. Introduce your team: Always introduce your team in the startup Pitch deck so that they will know the team's experience and expertise in which areas. 
6. Show your achievements or talents: Always showcase your achievements, to the startup Pitchdeck because by that they know you are on the right track.
7. Conclude with the request: Finish your startup investor pitch deck by showcasing the amount of funding you're seeking and detailing how you intend to allocate it. Be clear and thorough.

By following the above structure your pitch deck will be ready to seek funds. 

What are the Strategies for a Pitch Deck?

Effective storytelling is crucial when raising capital from investors, whether you're a first-time founder or an experienced entrepreneur. 

Let's explore the strategies for creating a compelling pitch deck:-

1 Lead with a Strong Storyline:

Startup Investors want to connect with you by understanding your story first. They are interested in the mission and vision you aim to pursue, which will help them decide to invest in your startup. Communicate the problem your startup is solving and present your product or service as the solution.

Highlight your unique value and why it is better than alternatives in the market.

2. Define the market opportunity: 

Clearly outline the market opportunity for investors, highlighting growth potential, including current and projected market sizes. Identify the target audience who will benefit from your products or services, compelling them to invest in your startup.

3. Showcase your business models:

Present your business model and explain how your company will generate revenue. Clearly outline the sales process and the strategies you will use to drive income for the business.

4. Provide a clear go to market strategies:

Business models always have clear go-to-market strategies which means demonstrating the target audience effectively and efficiently. Channels through which the target will be social media, advertisement, digital marketing, etc. 

How will you acquire the customers and what’s the cost of acquisition? Demonstrate how you will cover the cost of acquisition.

5. Introduce your team:

Investors mostly invest in people who invest in innovative ideas. Present your team's expertise and experience to them. 

Introduce your leadership team, previous successes, and expertise in the industry.

6. Financial Forecast:

Investors want to see that you have a clear path toward profitability and growth. They need future projections based on profit margin, break-even point, or become profitable.

7. Show your vision and mission for the startup: 

Investors want to see that you have a clear vision for your startup which means growth prospects, long-term goals, and exit opportunities through IPO, Acquisitions, etc.

So highlighted above are the most important strategies for developing a startup Pitch deck.

What Should a Pitch Deck Include - Do’s & Don’t’s?

Startups need a well Crafted Pitch Deck because of limited resources & less market insight, attracting investor capital becomes a crucial strategy to drive growth and add value.

While preparing your pitch deck, the startup needs to remember the following do’s and don’t which will be included in the presentation.

A pitch- deck can include Short PowerPoint slides to inform the investor about your business goals; it should be simple and concise to understand.

• Objectives, ideas, mission, or vision for your business.  
• The pitch deck can be sent to potential investors or clients via email.
• Keep it relatively short so it is easy for investors to read. 

A pitch deck doesn’t include 

• Don’t make your pitch deck too long to understand. 
• Don’t get too personal in the pitch deck which means emotional or providing personal information more. 
• Don’t use more photos related to the stock market that you are not the real company Instead  Use photos of the office, team, etc.
• Don’t go overboard with the designs. Use simple designs for the pitch deck.

Conclusion:

Creating an investor presentation involves keeping several important factors in mind. It’s essential to include all the key dos and don’ts outlined in this blog. 

For entrepreneurs seeking investors for their startups, the pitch deck is a critical step. While crafting a pitch deck isn’t inherently difficult, with the expertise of JustStart professionals, you'll receive a meticulously designed deck that’s sure to make a strong impression on potential investors.