7 Must-Haves for an Investor Pitch Deck

Quick Wins

Raising money for your business requires the presentation of a lifetime. Before you take those first

meetings, make sure your pitch deck is fully equipped with these seven essentials. These tips can be

applied to any investor presentation, whether you’re pitching it to family and friends or venture capitalists.

01. A Perfect Elevator PitchMake sure you’re able to give a clear and concise explanation of your company’s product or service in 10 seconds or less. The more direct you are about what your company does and why it’s important, the more confidence investors will have in your overall pitch.

02.

Do your research and create a solid outline for where your company fits among existing products or services. Prove that there’s room for growth in that market, and make sure you’re familiar with your competition.

Market Research

03. Your Business Model

Break out the calculator. Be ready to discuss in detail how you make money. It’s best to have proven numbers to show potential investors, such as revenue, cost of goods sold, pricing, your sales and distribution model, and your customer pipeline.

04. Financial Growth PlanYou want your company to grow, but that often comes at a price. It’s important to know not just how much money you need to expand now, but how much you will need to continue growing. For example, include forecasts for how you’ll scale operationally and financially, customer acquisition costs and how you’ll remain competitive.

05. The AskLet investors know how you plan to use their investment. For example, if you determine from your financial forecast that you need $50,000, tell them what it’s for: equipment and inventory. Explaining the reasoning behind your ask will prove that your valuation is well thought out and that you have a solid plan to take your business to the next stage of growth.

06.Your TeamWhether your company is made up of first-time entrepreneurs or well-seasoned professionals, make sure to present the faces and knowledge behind your business. This will give investors a humanistic element to connect with and further their confidence in your vision.

07. EnthusiasmBeyond all the numbers and research, remember to prove that you have a true passion for your business. Whether you include a slide with the story behind your business or ensure that your verbal pitch has short anecdotes that show your enthusiasm, make sure to clearly convey passion in your presentation.

If you plan on receiving funding

from investors, it’s never too

early to start planning and

organizing your company’s

pitch deck. Regardless of

which stage your business is

in, make sure you’re keeping

track of any information that

might be applicable to your

deck down the line.

Advice InspirationActionYou know your business better

than anyone, so make sure this

comes through when you’re

creating and presenting your

pitch deck. Confidence is often

the unspoken key to a pitch’s

success.

“Most giving is 80% emotion

and 20% rational. And the

best way to get to someone’s

emotions is to tell a story”

—Unknown

Quick Wins

What do you think is one must-have for an investor pitch deck? Share your thoughts in our STAPLES: Small Business Network on LinkedIn.

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