How to Prepare a Pitch for Investors

Every business starts with an idea and this needs to be captured typically when raising capital on a pitch deck presentation. It is the concept behind the product that leads to the fulfilment of entrepreneurial goals and objectives.

However, the journey between the idea and its transformation into reality can be enormous.

From conceptualization to business planning to gathering the required investments, it is a huge distance that you have to cover in order to achieve the outcomes of your dreams.

The first thing you need to turn your idea into a growing business entity is to raise the funds needed for the business plan implementation and its proposition development.

The tool that can help you accomplish this milestone is a Pitch Deck.

Acting as an integral element of business fundraising it saves your idea from going down the drain due to lack of support and capital.

Whether you are a seasoned businessperson or first time startup entrepreneur the way you pitch your idea to the potential investor is the key factor for a positive business start.

If you are wondering how to prepare a pitch for investors this article will provide you with deep insight into building a good pitch deck that is effective and result oriented.

So, keep on reading and learn effective tips and tricks on how to pitch an idea and get it funded by your ideal investors.

What is Pitching?

If you are unsure, here is a brief introduction to the investor pitch.

In business, pitching means the presentation of your ideas to another party.

Investor pitching refers to presenting your start-up business idea or product concept to potential investors.

It is a way of motivating, convincing and persuading the audience to invest their money and time in your idea and help make it a reality.

What is a Pitch Deck?

A pitch deck is a brief yet formal presentation drafted in a professional format. It is presented in front of the potential investors to provide them with an overview of your proposed business plan and the necessary start-up information about your products, services, traction and future goals.

It is a professional way of communicating your ideas, business potential and future plans to an audience with money to invest.

Entrepreneurs can present their pitch decks in person or via an online technology medium depending upon the prevailing circumstances and preferences of the potential investors.

Why is it Vital to Create a Good Pitch Deck?

Raising capital may be necessary for setting up a new business, acquiring assets and running the affairs of a company. To accomplish this collection of funds, as an entrepreneur, you need to design and create an attractive and effective pitch deck. There are thousands of competing companies vying for the same funding each week, so mediocre just won’t do.

So, what is it that makes your pitch deck stand out from the rest?

The key differentiating factors that set apart an average pitch deck from a good one is the content, design, preparation and delivery style.

Although almost all pitch decks aim for the same ultimate goal, putting your best forward first can get you much farther ahead in the race.

Many experts consider the pitch deck as bait for the investors. It lures in the potential investors by creating an aura of lucrative profitability and promising business prospects.

It is a step forward for increasing the possibility of making it to the next meeting with your investors.

A Guide to Prepare a Good Pitch For Investors

Here are a few tried and tested tips that can help you create a great pitch deck for your startup or business expansion fundraising.

A pitch should be:

• Short and Precise
• Compelling and Convincing
• Fast and Simple to Act Upon

According to studies, an average investor spends less than 4 minutes to review each of the many pitches they receive.

So, for your pitch to make an impression, it should be able to do the magic this short amount of time.

Every slide and every second will be vital. Everything you write on the slides will count.

On average a generalized pitch deck should not go beyond 18 to 19 slides maximum. In fact the less the better.

Author Bio :

Alejandro Cremades is a serial entrepreneur and the author of The Art of Startup Fundraising. With a foreword by ‘Shark Tank‘ star Barbara Corcoran, and published by John Wiley & Sons, the book was named one of the best books for entrepreneurs. The book offers a step-by-step guide to today‘s way of raising money for entrepreneurs.

Most recently, Alejandro built and exited CoFoundersLab which is one of the largest communities of founders online.

Prior to CoFoundersLab, Alejandro worked as a lawyer at King & Spalding where he was involved in one of the biggest investment arbitration cases in history ($113 billion at stake).

Alejandro is an active speaker and has given guest lectures at the Wharton School of Business, Columbia Business School, and NYU Stern School of Business.