We have developed hundreds of pitch decks for public and private companies and in this time we have noticed certain tricks and tips that can help attract and close investors into your company. This post is specifically related to pitch decks that are presented for investor relations purposes to attract investments. These pitch decks are commonly presented at investor conferences and in front of investor groups.
Make Sure Your Branding Is On Point
Your pitch deck should have your company logo on it and the colors should match. Strong branding leads to company recognition and will allow for the viewer to remember the company long after the presentation is over.
Use Graphics in your Pitch Deck
If you are presenting your pitch deck in front of investors, you want them to be listening to you and not reading your slides. The use of graphics that depict the idea or message you are trying to relay will allow the audience to follow your message without getting distracted.
Investor Disclaimer Slide
Your company’s pitch deck should have a disclaimer about the projections and any matters relating to the securities offered or not offered. Not putting this slide in your pitch deck will open your company and its executives up to liability from investors or even worse, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Use Good Sources For Your Data & Numbers
When presenting market research or industry numbers, make sure you cite and reference reliable sources. Government websites and well-known industry research reports are recommended.
Highlight Your Team & Gaps In Management
If you have a strong team, make sure to highlight them in the pitch deck. If you have gaps in management, make sure to point it out. The intelligent investor understands the players needed to make a successful business and will wonder why those parties are not presented in your pitch deck.
Remember Your Audience
When presenting to a group of potential investors, remember they want to understand how they will make their money back. With a return! This means you should include your business model and your projections in a clear and succinct manner.
Make Your Message Clear
Good businesses solve a problem. Great businesses solve big problems. Make sure your pitch deck clearly shows:
- The problem. What problem are your customers struggling with?
- The solution. How does your product or service solve that problem?
Have a Strong Outline for your Pitch Deck
Depending on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in your industry or business, your outline should focus on telling your story effectively. Here is a sample of how to outline a pitch deck (just a sample and should be altered depending on your company):
- Elevator Pitch
- Momentum, Traction, Expertise: Your key numbers
- Market Opportunity: Define market size & your customer base
- Problem & Current Solutions: What need do you fill? Other solutions
- Product or Service: Your solution
- Business Model: Key Revenue Streams
- Market Approach & Strategy: How you grow your business
- Team & Key Stakeholders (Investors, Advisors)
- Financials
- Competition (And Why You are better…)
- Investment: Your ‘Ask’ for funding, Basic use of funds
Double Check your Pitch Deck for Spelling and Grammer
Nothing will kill a potential deal faster than a little simple mistake. It shows investors that you couldn’t get it right on the presentation and you may not get it right with their investment.
If you need help developing a pitch deck or investor presentation for your company, we can help. Contact us today.
AirBnB Sample Pitch Deck
Uber Sample Pitch Deck
