Are you trying to get a new investor, advisor, or team member? Hopefully, you have a pitch deck ready! Typically, they request a copy of your pitch deck, but don’t worry if you haven’t prepared yours. We have organized what info you need to share in our Pitch Deck Framework. We understand that it’s a lot of work to build a business, so we take the information you put into previous frameworks and integrate it into the other frameworks, so that you never have to repeat your work.
Pitch Deck Framework
To get a better understanding of how to use the Pitch Deck Framework, let’s go over what makes a good pitch deck. You will want to keep your pitch deck under 5 minutes, with the first 1-3 minutes going over the problem you are solving, then your solution, and finally how you make money. Presenting the information in this order will provide context in a way that is easy to follow. The remaining time will be used to explain your roadmap, and to justify why people should care about the problem you are solving, your product, and your team.
Now let’s take a look at the layout of the Pitch Deck Framework. All of the sections above the bottom two rows are shared with other frameworks. If you have completed the other Idea Stage frameworks, these sections will already be filled in. The left side of the framework, surrounded by a thick blue border, is comprised of the sections needed for the first 1-3 minutes of your pitch, which can be summarized and recorded in the “Elevator Pitch” section. The right side has the sections needed for the last 2 minutes of your pitch, which can be summarized and recorded in the “Plan Forward and Why” section.
Of course, we want something better than a good pitch deck. We want a standout pitch deck. Standout pitch decks are able to grab people’s attention and help your audience empathize with your customer and the problem that you are solving for them. This can be accomplished by having a story that runs through the pitch deck and manages to convey all of the key points smoothly. With all of your info and summaries at your fingertips, you can now start working on a 5 minute story that ties everything together. Your 5 minute story can be recorded in the “5 Min Story” section. Don’t forget to keep your Home Run Scenario in mind, and try to channel your enthusiasm into your story.
By completing the Pitch Deck Framework, you will have everything you need to create a standout pitch deck. Now, the only thing left to do is to create the actual pitch deck.
“The trick is to understand that you are simply talking with your audience, sharing your thoughts. You’re not arguing. You’re not selling. You’re having a conversation. You’re giving them a gift.” - Peter Coughter in The Art Of The Pitch
Additional Resources
- Techstar recording on how to make a standout pitch deck, hosted by SVB https://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:6717131226907598848/
- Guy Kawasaki’s tips on creating a pitch deck https://guykawasaki.com/how-to-create-an-enchanting-pitch-officeandguyk/
- 15 Questions to Nail Before Pitching Your Startup https://www.knightley.co/library/15-questions-to-nail-before-pitching/
- 3 Top Tips on How to Win Any Business Plan Competition, From a 4-Time Winner https://www.inc.com/burt-helm/how-to-win-business-plan-pitch-competitions-blastpoint.html
- Tips for Entering Small Business Grant Contests
- Pitch Deck Mistakes from Hustle Fund
- Why Hustle Fund says “NO”
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