How can you make your VC pitch unforgettable?

You have a great idea, a solid team, and a compelling vision. Now you need to convince investors to fund your startup. How can you make your VC pitch unforgettable? Here are some tips to help you craft a pitch deck and a presentation that will wow your audience and increase your chances of getting a term sheet.

1 Grab attention

The first few minutes of your pitch are crucial. You need to capture the attention of the investors and make them curious about your problem, solution, and value proposition. Use a catchy hook, a surprising statistic, a personal story, or a provocative question to start your pitch. Don't bore them with a long introduction or a generic overview. Make them want to hear more.

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Tak Lo

Mission-Oriented Expert Generalist Leading Ideas. Advisor to Governments, Companies, and Leaders
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There’s basically only three ways - I just added this to my YouTube video. Say something naughty, something the investor didn’t know, or wow them with your ambition. Basically most hooks come down to that

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Michael Deem

Managing Partner | Private Equity | Venture Capitalist | Life Sciences | AI
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Sometimes as VCs we hear pitches about exciting new technologies, but ... the actual pitch is "mom and apple pie" about how great the technology is. As a founder, assume the VC really wants to know some details about your approach. Show just enough, or have a backup deck with science and market details, to convince the VC that your company has something special.

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2 Tell a story

Investors are not only looking for numbers and facts. They are also looking for a compelling narrative that shows why you are passionate about your idea, how you validated it, and what impact you want to make. Use storytelling techniques to structure your pitch, such as the hero's journey, the problem-solution-benefit framework, or the before-after-bridge formula. Use simple and clear language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and use visuals and metaphors to illustrate your points.

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Michael Deem

Managing Partner | Private Equity | Venture Capitalist | Life Sciences | AI
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The VC wants to understand your pitch. As a founder, make it easy for them. Give them a 1-2 minute summary that is easy to understand, remember, and repeat during their partner meetings.

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3 Show traction

One of the best ways to convince investors that you have a viable business is to show them evidence of traction. Traction can be measured by various metrics, such as revenue, customers, users, growth, retention, engagement, partnerships, or awards. Choose the most relevant and impressive ones for your stage and industry, and show them in a clear and concise way. Don't just show numbers, explain what they mean and how they relate to your goals and milestones.

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4 Know your audience

Before you pitch to any investor, do your homework and research their background, interests, portfolio, and preferences. Tailor your pitch to fit their profile and expectations. Highlight how your startup fits their thesis, sector, stage, and criteria. Anticipate their questions and objections, and prepare your answers and data. Show that you have done your market research and know your competitors and differentiators. Demonstrate that you understand their perspective and value proposition.

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Tak Lo

Mission-Oriented Expert Generalist Leading Ideas. Advisor to Governments, Companies, and Leaders
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I told my advisory company that was pitching at orange Dao demo day to make some Ohio state references (his Alma mater). Basically an American audience likes that, and even though there may be other college football fans, it’s important to be relatable

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Michael Deem

Managing Partner | Private Equity | Venture Capitalist | Life Sciences | AI
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If you can talk informally with some partners or junior partners at the firm before you pitch, this will give you a great idea of what to expect. Some firms are very quantitative and will do detailed modeling. Other firms want to see a cool new technology. Other forms will ask many detailed questions about the technology. Still others want to see how well you pitch, and if you will likely be good at telling your story and sales.

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5 Be authentic

Investors are not only investing in your idea, they are also investing in you and your team. They want to see that you are passionate, confident, and credible. Don't try to be someone you are not, or pretend to have all the answers. Be honest, humble, and transparent about your strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and risks. Show your personality, enthusiasm, and vision. Don't be afraid to show some emotion or humor, as long as it is appropriate and respectful.

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6 End with a call to action

The last part of your pitch should leave a lasting impression and motivate the investors to take the next step. Don't just say thank you and walk away. Summarize your main points, restate your value proposition, and ask for a specific action. This could be a follow-up meeting, a referral, a feedback, or a commitment. Make it clear what you want and why you deserve it. Provide your contact information and any relevant materials, such as a one-pager, a demo, or a testimonial.

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Michael Deem

Managing Partner | Private Equity | Venture Capitalist | Life Sciences | AI
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As a founder, your call to action is your ask. How much funding, for approximately how much of the company. The fraction of the company you are selling, you can be a bit vague on, but will at some point need to suggest a range for. The amount of money you are raising should be a specific number. The VCs will absolutely remember your ask, the general area of your technology, and the approximate market size.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you make your VC pitch unforgettable?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Grab attention

2 Tell a story

3 Show traction

4 Know your audience

5 Be authentic

6 End with a call to action

7 Here’s what else to consider

Venture Capital

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How can you make your VC pitch unforgettable?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Grab attention

2 Tell a story

3 Show traction

4 Know your audience

5 Be authentic

6 End with a call to action

7 Here’s what else to consider

Venture Capital

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