Pitch Deck Training: Founders
Your startup has an amazing idea and needs money to make it come to fruition. Investors and the investment landscape are a daunting challenge that seems impossible to navigate. What are they thinking and why can’t they see that our solution is the best thing ever? Almost every startup goes through the process of investor funding and it all starts with a pitch deck. Over the next few weeks we will dive into what a pitch deck needs to get a startup funded. You don’t have a lot of time in front of most investors, so you need to focus on what matters.
After countless interviews with investors, they all say exactly the same thing is at the forefront of their investment decision, the founders. One has even said they would invest in the founder with a bad idea so they could have the opportunity to invest in that founder when they have a good idea. It is crazy to think about, but it is very true. To get funded before you reach Series A, first focus on the founders.
Forget revolutionary ideas for a moment. In the pre-Series A trenches, startups often secure funding not just for their concepts, but for the people with the grit and vision to bring them to life. That's where your pitch deck becomes your battlefield, and the founder slide, your secret weapon. Remember, investors are backing you, the founder, more than your specific idea. So, how do you translate your unique story, skills, and potential into captivating slides that resonate with their trust and vision?
Craft a Compelling Narrative
Ditch the boring bio. Don't just list degrees and past titles. Tell a story! Highlight your journey, showcasing relevant achievements, challenges overcome, and lessons learned. Did you navigate a previous startup through a tough market? Did you spearhead a successful project within a large corporation? Share these experiences, emphasizing transferable skills and your problem-solving prowess.
Passion is Contagious
Let your enthusiasm for the problem you're solving and the solution you're building shine through. Investors are drawn to founders who are deeply invested in their mission and can articulate it with infectious energy. Use strong visuals, quotes, or personal anecdotes to connect on an emotional level.
Diversity is Your Strength
Showcase the complementary skillsets within your founding team. Do you have a tech whiz paired with a seasoned marketer? Highlight how your individual strengths come together to form a well-rounded, capable force. Don't shy away from mentioning advisors or key hires who bolster your expertise.
Track Record Matters
If you have a proven track record of success, flaunt it! Quantify past achievements, exits from previous ventures (if applicable), or industry recognition. Remember, even a small win demonstrates your ability to execute and adapt.
Vulnerability Builds Trust: Share challenges you've faced and your approach to overcoming them. This transparency demonstrates honesty, self-awareness, and resilience, all qualities investors value in leaders.
Beyond the Numbers
While highlighting relevant data and market insights, never lose sight of the impact your venture will have. Show how your solution solves a real human problem and improves lives in a tangible way. Remember, it's not just about numbers, it's about making a difference.
Tell Your Story Visually
Ditch the text-heavy slides. Use high-quality images, infographics, and even short videos to grab attention and visually communicate your message. Remember, your pitch deck is a presentation, not a document.
Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse your presentation with the founder slide as a key focus. Be prepared to answer questions about your background, motivations, and vision. Confidence and clear communication are key to convincing investors you're the right person to lead this journey.
The Power of Belief
Steve Jobs wasn't the first to envision a personal computer, but his unwavering belief in his vision and his ability to execute it made him the face of a revolution. Investors backed Apple not just for the product, but for the man behind it, a testament to the power of a well-crafted founder story.
Sum it Up
Each founder should have one amazing thing they did to showcase themselves to investors. If there are 2 or 3 more things that really set them apart, then these can be included as well. There is no reason to lay out a founder’s backstory, even if it is the best in the world. Investors can look a founder up online and see these details for themselves, if they choose to do so. One awesome WOW and move on to the next person. Show that the startup has the best team to get the job done and nothing else.
By crafting a founder slide that's authentic, passionate, and visually engaging, you can turn your pitch deck into an investor magnet, securing the funding and trust you need to turn your vision into reality. Remember, you're not just selling an idea, you're selling yourself, the leader who can make it happen.
