The pitch deck is the first communication tool you'll use to raise funds from a new investor. The content of your pitch deck, together with your presentation, might help the investor decide whether or not to continue investigating the future of your company.

Table of Content 

1. What is an Investor pitch deck?

2. How does a pitch deck work?

3. What to do and what not to do in a pitch deck?

4. Some important tips for your pitch deck!

5. What to include in your pitch deck?

Introduction

A pitch deck presentation is a visual document that informs investors about your company plan, products or services, fundraising requirements, and critical metrics such as value, target market, and financial goals. The most effective pitch decks are quick yet informative, with basic, aesthetically attractive slides generated with a software tool.

If you are new to this topic, let’s start over with an introduction to what an investor pitch deck is!

What is an investor Pitch deck?

A presentation designed to inform investors about your company's strategy is known as an investor pitch deck.
 

They are a visual and educational display that covers all areas of your company. Pitch decks are useful at any stage of your business, but they are especially important for startups.

Recommended:

5-step guide to pitching your startup to investors

How does it work?

You may think that the entire purpose of a pitch deck is to raise the funds. However, this is not perfectly true. Sure, money is the end aim.

In order to schedule a second meeting and even negotiate an investment, a pitch deck seeks to excite investors' interest in and even be excited about your company. A pitch deck may be a major tool in letting a company get funds, even though this is simply the first step in the process.

What to do and what not to do in a pitch deck?

When it comes to creating investor pitch decks, too many companies make simple mistakes. Here's a list of basic DOs and DON’Ts to remember.

What to do:

1. Tell your story in a way it grabs the investors

Start off your presentation by impressing the investors. Think of your pitch as a story that you are narrating. Even investors can't stop a good storytime. Instead of just beginning with an introduction, begin your presentation with a relevant experience that highlights your idea and makes your point.

2. Make a good first impression with a good opening line to remember you by

The opening few seconds of your pitch deck have a significant impact. You’ll be receiving maximum attention from everyone. And remember that these investors get to hear a lot of pitch decks. There are hundreds like yours. So, make a good first impression with an exciting quote or a great review you got from a customer. 

3. Be prepared, be creative, show your passion 

You should be well familiar with statistics. Make sure you can convince investors that there is a significant market opportunity. Show that your company is more than simply a concept. Make it clear that you worked hard and did your research to start it. Make your company unique by showing your passion.

4. Add large fonts, more numbers, colourful charts, statistics and graphs

What if there’s very little visualised content and more of text? It never gives a good look to the presentation and the investors may find it boring and annoying. And eventually, you will lose their attention. So, make sure to add large fonts, charts, and graphs that easily catch the eye and clearly convey your idea.

5. Show a demo of your product

Your company is focused on its products or services. Make sure to give them a priority. So assure to promote your products or services with a quick demonstration.

What not to do:

1. Do not bore them with plain slides or too many slides

Have a proper plan for your presentation first. Make your content small and clear, so that you will not have to go ahead with too many slides or non-informal slides.

2. No TMI (Too much information)

Do not cover everything in your pitch deck. Give them the information that they need to know but not in detail. So they are curious to know more! Your in-person presentation will give you an opportunity to add and highlight key information.

3. Don’t use a lot of acronyms  

Just because you want to make less text, do not use too much of acronyms that the investors may not understand immediately. It might turn into a negative impact on your whole pitch.

4. Don’t underestimate or belittle the competition

This is your pitch to show how unique you are among the competitors. But don't ever underestimate or belittle the competition to come along. Show your passion. 

5. Don’t have a poor layout

Bad graphics or a low-quality layout doesn't give the investor a look and feel. Think about hiring a graphic designer to give your pitch desk a more professional look.

 

5 important Tips for your pitch deck!

1. Be straightforward, keep it short and simple: keep it under 10 minutes.

2. Practice ahead of time, and have a clear unique value proposition. 

3. Prioritise the story over statistics. But also balance creativity with facts.

3. Make it a standalone deck to let the pitch do the work.

4. Keep it updated.

Recommended:

Most Common Startup Pitch Deck Errors and How to Avoid + Tips

What to include?

1.  Introduction

Introduce yourself, your business, your team, and the key roles!

2.  Problem

The reason why your business exists. And why are you unique in conveying this problem?

3. Solution

Describe how you solve the problem. Share your products and services.

4. Market

Describe the market you're entering and the competition there, and demonstrate your research.

5. Contact details 

Include your contact details at the end of your pitch deck. Your investors will need a way to get in contact with you to ask questions or finish their investment.

Recommended:

You better have these 7 crucial slides in your startup pitch deck
 

You have it now. Our quick guide to creating a pitch deck for investors explained all you need to know, from what it is to how to do it. Yes, there are no strict guidelines for creating pitch decks. There are some "unwritten rules," though, that you might need to follow. For example, you should remember the basic guidelines  of pitch deck: keep it short, straightforward, and understandable. 

Conclusion 

Your company's chances of getting funds can be raised by having an effective investor pitch deck. You must, however, make sure the story is engaging and interesting. You must cover the topics that investors want to know more about.

We, CreativeHub, are always ready to help you with your first investor pitch deck.

And don’t forget to check our Success stories here!