S&I Gazette #28: The 6 biggest red flags in a pitch deck

As you prepare your pitch deck, it’s crucial to put your best foot forward.?

While a strong deck can open doors to funding, a flawed one can shut them quickly.?

To help you avoid common pitfalls, here are a few red flags that often raise concerns for investors:

1. Lack of market research

Investors want to know you’ve done your homework.?

A vague understanding of your market size, competition, or target audience shows that you’re not fully prepared.?

Make sure your deck highlights comprehensive research and a clear understanding of your space.

2. Unrealistic financial projections

Overly optimistic projections can do more harm than good.?

Investors appreciate ambition, but wild numbers with no clear path to reach them raise eyebrows.?

Stick to realistic, data-backed projections.

3. Weak problem-solution fit

If your problem and solution aren’t clearly articulated, you risk losing investors right from the start.?

A solid deck must convey that the problem is real, the solution is effective, and the market needs it.

4. Missing traction

Traction is critical.?

Even if you’re in the early stages, show progress.?

This could be user growth, early revenue, partnerships, or customer feedback.?

No traction can make your pitch seem too speculative.

5. No clear ask

One of the most common mistakes is not having a clear ask.?

Investors need to know how much money you’re raising and what you plan to do with it.?

Be specific about how the funds will be allocated.

6. Poor design and structure

A cluttered or poorly designed deck is distracting.?

Keep your slides clean, concise, and visually appealing.?

A professional-looking deck makes you look more credible and serious about your business.

If you notice any of these red flags in your deck, it’s time to take action.?

Remember, investors see hundreds of decks, and these small mistakes can easily cost you an opportunity.

Want more guidance??

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You can get it on my profile.