15 Slides you NEED on your Pitch Deck - Startups 101

Introduction

Creating an effective pitch deck is crucial for startups seeking investment. This tutorial outlines the 15 essential slides that should be included in your pitch deck to effectively communicate your business idea and attract potential investors. Following these steps will help ensure your presentation is structured and impactful.

Step 1: Start with a Compelling Cover Slide

• Include your company name and logo.
• Add a tagline that summarizes your business.
• Keep the design simple and professional.

Step 2: Problem Statement Slide

• Clearly define the problem your startup addresses.
• Use statistics or anecdotes to highlight the significance of the problem.
• Make it relatable to your audience.

Step 3: Solution Slide

• Present your product or service as the solution to the problem.
• Highlight key features and benefits.
• Use visuals to enhance understanding.

Step 4: Market Opportunity Slide

• Define your target market.
• Include data on market size and growth potential.
• Use charts or graphs to make the information digestible.

Step 5: Product Overview Slide

• Provide a brief overview of your product.
• Include screenshots, diagrams, or a video demo.
• Highlight unique selling points.

Step 6: Business Model Slide

• Explain how your startup plans to make money.
• Include pricing strategy and sales channels.
• Consider using a simple diagram to illustrate the model.

Step 7: Competitive Analysis Slide

• Identify your key competitors.
• Highlight your competitive advantages.
• Use a matrix to compare features and pricing.

Step 8: Go-to-Market Strategy Slide

• Outline your marketing and sales strategies.
• Specify how you plan to acquire customers.
• Include timelines for key milestones.

Step 9: Traction Slide

• Showcase any progress your startup has made.
• Include metrics such as sales, user growth, or partnerships.
• Use visuals to make the data more compelling.

Step 10: Financial Projections Slide

• Provide a summary of your financial forecasts for the next 3-5 years.
• Include revenue, expenses, and profitability estimates.
• Use charts for clarity.

Step 11: Funding Ask Slide

• Clearly state how much funding you are seeking.
• Explain how you will use the funds.
• Be specific and realistic in your request.

Step 12: Team Slide

• Introduce your core team members.
• Highlight relevant experience and expertise.
• Include photos for a personal touch.

Step 13: Milestones Slide

• Outline key milestones your startup has achieved and future goals.
• Use a timeline format for clarity.
• Make sure to tie milestones to your funding request.

Step 14: Vision Slide

• Share your long-term vision for the company.
• Explain how you plan to scale and grow.
• Inspire confidence in your potential.

Step 15: Closing Slide

• Recap the most compelling points from your pitch.
• Include a call to action, inviting questions or follow-up.
• Leave your contact information.

Conclusion

A well-structured pitch deck can significantly increase your chances of securing investment. By including these 15 essential slides, you can effectively communicate your business idea and showcase its potential. As a next step, consider downloading a pitch deck template or seeking feedback from mentors to refine your presentation further.