Crafting a Killer Pitch Deck

A killer pitch deck sounds like a story by design. It is meant to help you step back from the details of your business or new product, to tell a compelling story to an investor.

It reads as simple as this:
“We are a unique team, excited to solve a big and hard problem. We came up with a sustainably differentiated solution. As a result, we are gaining solid traction, which we monetize fairly. So our financials look extremely promising but to get there, we need a reasonable amount of funding. We have a credible plan to generate significant returns for our investors.”

It touches on all the key points:
“We are a unique team, excited to solve a big and hard problem. We came up with a sustainably differentiated solution. As a result, we are gaining solid traction, which we monetize fairly. So our financials look extremely promising but to get there, we need a reasonable amount of funding. We have a credible plan to generate significant returns for our investors.”

It emphasizes why investors or pilot customers should get involved:
“We are a unique team, excited to solve a big and hard problem. We came up with a sustainably differentiated solution. As a result, we are gaining solid traction, which we monetize fairly. So our financials look extremely promising but to get there, we need a reasonable amount of funding. We have a credible plan to generate significant returns for our investors.”

To put this story into a slide deck, you can use the following template. Remember your presentation is meant to serve as illustration, not as conversation.

1. Cover slide: Include your logo, tagline, and complete contact information.

2. “We are a unique team,: Highlight the past accomplishments of the team. Selectively include investors and advisors who bring something special.

3. excited to solve a big and hard problem.: Describe the customer, market, and pain points you address. It should FEEL uncomfortable; the numbers are necessary but not sufficient.

4. We came up with a sustainably differentiated solution.: Introduce your solution and its impact. Describe why customers use your product instead of your competitor’s. Also explain why your differentiators are defensible. Briefly describe the technology behind your solution. If appropriate, mention patent.

5. As a result, we are gaining solid traction,: Who are the customers? How are you going to acquire more? What customers have you already acquired? If appropriate, show a pipeline with logos, broken down in conversations > pilots > paying customers.

6. Which we monetize fairly.: What’s your business model? What are the unit economics?

7. So our financials look extremely promising: Ideally, show an exponential revenue line and a linear cost line. Include both past and forecast.

8. But to get there, we need a reasonable amount of funding.: State your ask clearly. If you already have terms and/or commitments, list them. Also include your future funding needs.

9. We have a credible plan to generate significant returns for our investors.”: Show your preferred exit scenario, including time horizon and value. Include 3-5 recent transactions that you believe are comparable to your desired exit.

10. Conclusion: Summarize your story in bullet point format.