Blogs

How to Design a Better Pitch Deck – by Kevin Hale 

This article is an adaptation of a presentation Kevin Hale gives to YC startups. It highlights the 5 to 7 most important things that people should know about your startup. It also reminds founders that they already have everything they need to create a great presentation. 

A Simple Approach to Startups Pitch Decks – Rob Go

In this article, Rob Go looks at the structure of a deck across the various interactions that actually happen. From the initial email, first meetings, and after the meetings. It also shares a startup pitch template at the end.

All the Public Startup Pitch Decks in One Place – Andy Sparks

In this post, Andy Sparks puts together a list of actual fundraising pitch decks that he had collected for founders to view when building their own.

Pitch Your Startup in 30 Seconds – Hyde Park Angels

This article shows you how to be prepared to pitch your startup idea even when you only have 30 seconds to get your idea across to potential clients or investors. 

What do I look for in a pitch? – Sarah Guo

In this article, Sarah Guo shares why it’s important to confirm that venture funding makes sense for you before you try to raise. It’s more than just the pitch deck it’s an opportunity to clarify your vision and your thinking. 

The 7 Questions A Startup Should Answer in their Fund Raising Pitch – Tomasz Tunguz

This article distills the investment analysis questions that need to be addressed by your startup pitch in a meeting with potential investors. 

The 11 Risks VCs Evaluate – Tomasz Tunguz

In this article, Tomasz Tunguz highlights the risks that he typically reviews when a startup pitches him. The objective being to weigh the risks against the reward/exit. 

How to Pitch Your Company – Michael Seibel

In this article Michael Seibel condensed the pitch creation process to answering seven questions. He highlights how it is easier to talk to investors if they understand what your startup does. 

How Venture Capital Works – Bob Zider

In this HBR article, Bob Zider shows how entrepreneurs can mitigate their risks and potential rewards. The person’s skills, reputation, and incentives to the VC firm; the willingness to take risks; and the ability to sell oneself.

Getting Your Head in the Game for Fund Raising – Mark Suster

In this article, Mark Suster talks about the reality of how hard fundraising is and that entrepreneurs should not put it off till they have a ticking time-bomb. 

How To Convince Investors – Paul Graham

In this article, Paul Graham talks about how Investors are looking for startups that will be very successful. To show this you need three things: formidable founders, a promising market, and (usually) some evidence of success so far.

16 Rookie Errors Founders Make Pitching to VCs – Jason Lemkin

In this article, Jason highlights the rookie errors that founders make when pitching their startups. This includes errors like not doing basic homework on the VC firm and not speaking with data.

What should be in my fundraising slides? – Michael Wolfe

In this article, Michael Wolfe talks about why you should take time to create a great startup pitch deck and how it not only helps you raise money but crystallizes your strategy.

What Are Pre-Seed Rounds and Why Do They Exist? – Rob Go

In this article, Rob Go talks about pre-seed being an early round of financing that is designed to help a company achieve certain intermediate milestones prior to strong product-market fit. 

How to Develop Your Fundraising Strategy – Mark Suster

In this article, Mark Suster talks about fundraising being a sale. Why buy anything? Why buy me? Why buy now? If you can solve these three major questions you’ll sell. 

A Guide to Seed Fundraising – Geoff Ralston

In this article, Geoff Ralston talks about what seed capital is, why startups raise when to raise and how much money to raise. 

Choosing Your Investor – Ventech

The reality is good startups with a solid business plan and teams are and will be funded. Selecting the right investment partner that is expected to create value can have a big impact on the company’s success and outcomes. 

The All-in-One Startup Funding Guide – Chance Barnett

In this article, Chance Barnett talks about five parts to successful fundraising for your startup — with specific examples, templates, and resources. Pitch Decks, Termsheets, Investors, and Crowdfunding.

Videos

Pitch Deck Design