TPP #44: Which pitch deck framework is right for your startup?
Diana Elena Ciobanete
I help founders secure early investment rounds ? Co-Founder of Utopia Pitch ? Built 200+ Pitch Decks ? Forbes 30 under 30
Your pitch deck is your startup’s first impression.
And just like with first impressions, how you structure it can make or break your chances of standing out.
That’s where frameworks come in.
But here’s the catch, not all frameworks are equal.?
The best one depends on your business, your stage, and your audience.
We’ll choose a MedTech business as example:
? When you solve a big problem, show it!
1. The Problem-Solution Framework
This framework is a favorite for early-stage startups because it’s clear, straightforward, and speaks directly to what investors care about.
You begin with the problem: what are you solving, and why does it matter??
Then you guide investors through your solution, market opportunity, business model, competition, traction (if you have it), team, and finally, your ask.
It works because it’s investor-friendly. They’ve seen it before, so they know how to follow the flow.?
But familiarity doesn’t mean you can relax, your slides still need to stand out.
Investors want more than just understanding; they want to feel the urgency of the problem and the excitement of your solution.
Make your story compelling, and this framework will do the rest.
? This one is all about big thinking.
2. The Visionary Framework
If your startup is in a disruptive or emerging market, lead with the vision.?
Show investors the future you’re creating and why your solution is the key to making it happen.
Start by painting a picture of the market gap and how you’ll fill it, then walk them through your traction, the market opportunity, your team, and your ask.
This framework works best for startups where the potential is huge, and the investors need to buy into your long-term vision before anything else.
? When your numbers speak louder than words, let them lead the conversation.
3. The Traction-First Framework
If your startup has impressive growth metrics, revenue, or user adoption, start with traction. Show investors why you’re already winning in the market.
From there, move into the problem, solution, and how you’ll scale further. This framework tells investors: “We’re not just an idea; we’re already a proven business.”
It’s perfect for startups that want to highlight momentum and signal readiness for scaling.
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? Some startups have a story that’s too powerful not to lead with.
4. The Storytelling Framework
If your business has a deeply personal origin, an inspiring pivot, or a moment of insight that changed everything, use it.?
Start with your story to hook investors emotionally.
Then transition into the problem, solution, market, traction, and team.?
This framework works best for startups in creative industries or founders who can connect emotionally with their audience.
Just remember, your story is only part of the equation, your data needs to be just as strong.
? You are the best team to solve this problem!
5. The Team Framework
Sometimes, it’s not just the idea or the numbers that grab an investor’s attention, it’s the people.
This framework works best when your team’s expertise, experience, and track record are your strongest assets.?
You start by introducing your team: who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and why you’re uniquely positioned to win in this market.
From there, you can outline the problem you’re solving, your solution, the market opportunity, and your traction, but the team always remains front and center.
This approach is especially powerful if your team has:
Investors bet on people, and this framework lets you showcase why you’re the right people to bet on. Just make sure you back it up with a clear vision and plan.
So, which one should you choose?
1. Know your audience
Are your investors looking for vision, traction, or a clear plan?
2. Highlight your strengths
If you’ve got traction, show it off. If your vision is groundbreaking, let it shine.
3. Match your stage
Early-stage startups should emphasize the problem and solution, while growth-stage startups should focus on traction and scaling.
At the end of the day, frameworks are guides, not rules. Your job is to adapt them to fit your unique story and business.
If you’re ready to create a pitch deck that tells your story perfectly and captures investor attention, let’s connect, I’d love to help.
Until next time,
Diana