Does the Pitch Deck Template Really Matter?

Pitch deck templates are an attractive resource that can help startups in many ways. Some of you might be tempted to use a pitch deck template that’s provided free or low cost because of its cost-effectiveness.

Obviously, money is one of the hardest things to come by in an early-stage startup, trust me…we know. The allure of a pitch deck template is strong.

A pitch deck template will only get you so far. However, there are definitely ways that a startup can benefit from using a pitch deck template when working to develop its presentation.

A pitch deck template is an effective way to present your business to potential investors. It should be clear, concise, short, and persuasive. This document is used to convince potential investors about a startup idea, to show how your product or service works and what are the main benefits.

Your pitch deck should include 10 elements: the problem, your solution, key product features, market fit, competitive landscape, revenue and operating models, your traction, your projections, your team, and your funding request.

Stand out

With the right combination of useful content and visual flair, your pitch deck will be hard to ignore, regardless of who your audience is. And if you go beyond the traditional PowerPoint, making your deck responsive, visually stunning, easy to share, and bespoke, you'll stand out and get the attention you're after.

From an investor’s point of view

The pitch deck should include details of who the people behind your business are, the problem you are trying to solve, your product or service which acts as the solution to that problem, traction, the current market, and your competitors, as well as details of your business model and how any successful investment will ...

Also, investors want to SEE if you can take the business from point A to point B. In many cases, this point is missing in the pitch decks and as the result, you may lose investors too.

Judge the book from the cover

I have seen many pitch decks so far. Unfortunately, this is one of those cases in that I definitely judge the book from the cover. As an investor, I value my time and I want to make sure that I spend my time on the right startups.

Just like founders that want to spend their time with the right customers.

So, if I see that you spent minimum time and effort on your pitch deck, you can’t convince me that you are worthy of investors' money.

So, my recommendation is to spend good money on a designer and create a great and visually stunning pitch deck.

This is not a cost, it is an investment.

How many pages?

While pitch decks vary in size, the average length is 12 to 14 slides (and never longer than 20), with each slide presenting one clear idea.

BTW, Adam Neumann could get $300M in funding from a16z with a 300-page pitch deck.

So, there are different rules out there for different founders.

Just get used to it.

To make a good pitch you'll need to do three things: grab the attention of your audience. take them on a clear and logical journey. leave them with a compelling call to action.

Feel free to book a consulting session with Capitaly and we can help you review and optimize your pitch deck. We have done this before and after seeing more than 1,000 pitch decks, we know what works.

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