9 Things Not To Include In Your Startup Pitch Deck + Better Ways
Nailing your startup pitch deck is key to unlocking doors to success! But there's a fine line between dazzling and overwhelming. Discover the 9 things to leave OUT of your pitch deck and what to include instead for that perfect first impression.
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Your pitch deck does a lot more than just lay out your ideas; it's a way to tell your startup's story. By steering clear of these common mistakes and focusing on clear, direct, and engaging content, you can craft a pitch deck that not only grabs investors' attention but also makes them believe in what you're doing and the team behind it.
1. Overly Technical Jargon
Why People Add It:You're proud of your product's complexity and unique features. You think that using industry-specific terms shows your expertise.
Why You Should Not Add It:
If your audience isn't as tech-savvy as you are, they might get lost in translation. Clarity trumps complexity in pitch decks.
Better Way:
Use simple language to explain what your product does and why it matters. Think about how you would explain it to a friend who doesn't work in your industry.
2. Unsubstantiated Claims
Why People Add It:To impress and build excitement, you might be tempted to make bold claims about your startup's potential without providing proof.
Why You Should Not Add It:
Investors see right through the fluff. Unsupported claims can hurt your credibility.
Better Way:
Include data and research to back up your statements. If you claim to solve a major problem, show evidence that the problem exists and is significant.
3. Excessive Financial Projections
Why People Add It:You want to show the financial potential of your startup and that you've thought about the future.
Why You Should Not Add It:
Too much focus on speculative numbers can seem unrealistic and detract from the current value proposition of your business.
Better Way:
Focus on your business model and present realistic, near-term financial projections. Highlight milestones that demonstrate growth and scalability.
4. Irrelevant Team Backgrounds
Why People Add It:You want to showcase your team's skills and experience to build credibility.
Why You Should Not Add It:
Including details that don't directly relate to your startup's needs or goals can clutter your pitch and dilute the message.
Better Way:
Highlight the experience that each team member brings to the table that is directly relevant to your startup's success. Connect the dots for your audience.
5. Competitor Bashing
Why People Add It:You want to show that your startup is superior and has a clear advantage in the market.
Why You Should Not Add It:
Speaking negatively about competitors can come off as unprofessional and distract from your own value proposition.
Better Way:
Focus on your unique selling points (USPs) and how you differentiate from competitors positively. Show how you fill a gap or do something better.
6. Too Much Emphasis on Product Features
Why People Add It:You're enthusiastic about your product and all its capabilities.
Why You Should Not Add It:
Getting lost in the features can make you miss the chance to connect with your audience on a problem-solution level.
Better Way:
Focus on the benefits and outcomes of your product for the user. How does it make their life easier or better?
7. Overloading Slides with Text
Why People Add It:You want to provide as much information as possible to make your case.
Why You Should Not Add It:
Crowded slides are hard to follow and can overwhelm your audience, causing them to disengage.
Better Way:
Use visuals and bullet points to convey your message. Keep text concise and focus on one main idea per slide.
8. Vague Market Size Estimations
Why People Add It:Demonstrating a large market size can make your opportunity seem more attractive.
Why You Should Not Add It:
Without clear data and reasoning, big numbers can seem baseless and overly optimistic.
Better Way:
Use reputable sources to define your target market and present realistic estimations. Explain how you plan to capture a segment of this market.
9. Ignoring Potential Risks
Why People Add It:You want to present your startup in the best light possible and may fear scaring off investors with talk of risks.
Why You Should Not Add It:
Investors know that risks are part of the game. Not addressing them can make you seem naive or overly optimistic.
Better Way:
Identify potential challenges and how you plan to mitigate them. This shows foresight and preparedness, qualities investors value highly.
Summary
- Skip the Overly Technical Jargon
Keep your pitch clear and accessible to everyone, avoiding complex terms that might confuse potential investors. - Don't Overload with Long Financial Projections
Focus on near-term financials. Long-term projections can seem unrealistic and speculative. - Avoid Unsubstantiated Claims
Stick to verifiable facts and achievements. Baseless claims can undermine your credibility.