What are the secrets to a killer pitch deck?

If you keep it simple and focus on the core elements that all investors care about, you don't have to change your pitch based on the investor. This will vary depending on what round you're in, but most decks need to cover the same points. - Problem - Solution - Market Opportunity - Business Model - Traction - Competition - Go-To-Market Strategy - Finances - Team - Funding Ask Get rid of superfluous BS. People are busy. Get to the point and show that you have something of value.

In my mind, the secrets to a killer pitch deck involve concise storytelling, a clear problem-solution narrative, compelling visuals, and data-backed evidence of market demand and financial viability. Keep it concise and focused, with a compelling opening, highlighting your unique value proposition, and addressing potential objections. Engage your audience emotionally while demonstrating a deep understanding of your market and competition. End with a strong call to action and a memorable takeaway.

Go beyond a generic problem-solution structure. Showcase a deep understanding of the specific pain points your target investors are interested in.

Swiss researchers conducted a recent analysis of the effectiveness of having numerous large investors on a board by examining seasons 1 to 6 of the U.S. show Shark Tank, comprising around 500 episodes. Their findings suggest that it is more advantageous to persuade one or two investors rather than the entire panel. Focusing on a select few investors leads to more favorable results, allowing for precise responses to questions and fostering competition among investors, potentially resulting in increased investment amounts and reduced ownership stakes. Source : Lavanchy M, Reichert P, Joshi A (2022), ??Blood in the water: An abductive approach to startup valuation on ABC's Shark Tank??, Journal of Business Venturing Insights, vol. 17.

Craft a compelling storyline that flows seamlessly through your pitch deck. Think of it as a narrative journey that leads your audience from the problem to your solution and the potential impact.

There's an old saying,"short but sweet"which is applicable here. Lengthy pitches have a way of lulling the audience into "Let me out of here" instead of "Let me invest in this". Make it relevant to both the pros and cons, and showing solutions for the possible cons. Connect with your potential investors on some common ground. If you are trying to sell your idea to a group of investors, for example, from France, have some story which has to do with France or a harmless joke that shows you identify with France in some manner. Don't try to be a nightclub entertainer. Just something warm and human. Making yourself human and approachable is used by TV evangelists for a reason. It works. They get donations. You get investors.

Share stories of past challenges or pivots and how your team navigated them successfully! Illustrate your team's history of adaptability and learning.

A “killer pitch deck” presents a killer company. Plain and simple. No amount of lipstick can make a pig not a pig. Work on the foundation. Keep assumptions to an absolute minimum. Be a great investment.