As a startup founder, raising funding for your business is crucial to its success. One of the most essential steps in securing investment is the investor pitch deck – a presentation that outlines your business model, strategy, and growth potential. However, using a template-based investor pitch deck can actually do more harm than good. Let’s understand why templates are a bad idea, what you should do instead, and how to create a winning pitch deck.

The Problem with Template-Based Investor Pitch Decks

Templates are designed to be one-size-fits-all. They provide a framework that can be used across various sectors and business models. While this might seem like a time-saver, it actually creates more problems than it solves.

Firstly, a template deck fails to capture the founding team’s differentiation, passion, and vision. Startups are all about innovation and breaking the norm. So, while templates may provide a starting point, they struggle to showcase your startup’s unique story and value proposition. Investors want to hear about your vision, market insights, and competitive advantages – not a generic pitch that could apply to any business.

Secondly, investors tend to look for ideas that stand out from the crowd. They receive numerous pitches every day, making it challenging for startups to capture their attention. A templatised pitch deck fails to differentiate your business from others, making it harder for investors to remember your pitch or get excited about your idea.

Lastly, using a template-based deck can make your pitch feel robotic and impersonal. It’s essential to show investors that you’re passionate about your startup and committed to its success. A templatised deck fails to convey that message and can make investors feel like you’re just going through the motions rather than genuinely invested in your business.

How to Create an Appealing Investor Pitch Deck

So, if templates aren’t the answer, what is? The key to creating a winning Investor Pitch Deck Idea is to focus on three things, i.e., your personalised story, an engaging narrative flow, and crisp messaging and visuals.

1. Uncover Your Personalised Story

Every startup has a unique story. It’s essential to uncover that story and use it to your advantage. Investors want to hear about your founding team’s experience, your journey so far, and the challenges you’ve overcome. Sharing these personal insights can help establish a connection with investors and make them more invested in your startup’s success.

2. Craft an Engaging Narrative Flow

Once you’ve uncovered your personalised story, it’s time to craft an engaging narrative flow. Your pitch should be structured like a story, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with an attention-grabbing opening that sets the tone for the rest of your presentation. Then, move on to your market opportunity and how your startup solves a problem or meets a need. Finally, wraps up with a call to action that entices investors to take the next step.

3. Package Your Deck with Crisp Messaging and Visuals

Lastly, your pitch should be packaged with crisp messaging and visuals. Use simple language that’s easy to understand, avoid jargon, and keep slides clutter-free. Use graphs, charts, and images to illustrate your points and make your presentation more engaging. A well-designed Investor Pitch Deck can be a powerful tool, but it’s essential to strike the right balance between information and visuals.

A templatised deck fails to showcase your startup’s unique story and value proposition, fails to differentiate your business from others, and can make your pitch feel robotic and impersonal. Instead, focus on uncovering your personalised story, crafting an engaging narrative flow, and packaging your deck with crisp messaging and visuals.