Every startup needs a great pitch deck to raise funds for growth. A great pitch deck means a better chance of getting funding from venture capitalists. Often startups fail to raise the fund from VC because their pitch deck doesn’t impress the investors. Don’t let your startup fail to secure funding from VCs. Here are 5 pitch deck mistakes that cost your investments, along with tips to help your startup succeed.
How to Present a Pitch Deck to Venture Capitalists?
When pitching your deck to venture capitalists, it’s all about telling a story that feels real and relatable. Start by grabbing their attention with the problem the startup is tackling—make it clear why it’s a big deal right now. Keep your language simple and to the point; nobody likes wading through buzzwords or overly technical terms. Show off your solution in a way that feels fresh and unique, but don’t stop there. Back it up with real numbers, user feedback, or anything that proves your idea has legs. Investors also care a lot about the people behind the business, so don’t shy away from highlighting your team’s strengths and why you’re the ones who can make this happen.
Keep your slides clean and visually appealing—avoid clutter and make sure each slide helps tell your story without distracting from it. Clearly cover the key points: the size of the market, your financial projections, and, most importantly, your ask—how much money you need and exactly how you’ll use it. When you’re pitching, stay confident but don’t come off as arrogant.
Be ready for tough questions because VCs want to see how you handle pressure and think on your feet. They’re not just investing in your business; they’re betting on you and your ability to handle challenges. Show them your passion, keep things simple and easy to follow, and make sure they walk away feeling your excitement. In the end, people invest in people, so let your energy and vision do the talking.
Now that we know how to pitch deck a venture capital, we talk about the 5 mistakes to avoid in a pitch deck.
5 pitch deck Mistakes that cost your investments
1) Lack of storytelling
Storytelling makes a perfect pitch deck. Lack of storytelling in pitch deck can become boring. A pitch deck with storytelling leaves impressions on investors. Therefore, telling a story through your presentation makes a difference- your presentation will be memorable and interesting.
Storytelling can transform your pitch deck, making it more memorable and impactful for investors. Storytelling is best explained as the why of startup, and it can take multiple forms, including:
- The Journey. Where do you come from? Why did you decide to launch startup? What motivates you?
- Customer’s Point of View. Your market, product highlights, the value you offer, and your advantage over your competition.
- Industry’s Point of View. startup’s role and how well you know your market and industry trends.
2) Too many slides
Too many slides is the biggest red flag for investors. Including too many slides can lead to rejection, as investors review multiple pitch decks daily and prefer concise presentations. If your pitch deck is longer there is a chance that they can reject it. So How many slides are good for pitch decks? Answer of that question is 20 slides.
The co-founder of PayPal, Peter Thiel, created a pitch deck template for entrepreneurs in 2012. Thiel’s pitch deck began a 10/20/30 rule- which classifies a competitive pitch deck as having ten slides, is no longer than 20 minutes, and only includes up to 30 points.
3) Poor layout & design
The layout of the pitch deck is the main thing that creates a first impression. This is another common error founders make choosing the worst design and layout for their presentation.
Most investors review about ten pitch decks daily. What impression would an investor get if your pitch deck is poorly designed among the other nine presentations?
When it comes to layout and design, many things need to be considered for a clear structure, including:
- Margins
- Font Size
- Color Palette
- Images
- Consistency- use 2 to 3 font sizes at most, use the same margins and the same colors
4) No Traction & Validation
Traction and validation are important parts of a presentation. If you have a pre-revenue startup, reflect your estimated figures from your business plan. If your business is already generating revenue, show your figures and growth. Basic financial data is essential for investors to evaluate your business potential. Traction and validation reassure investors they are funding not just an idea but a proven business.
5) Not Including a Funding Ask
One of the biggest pitch deck mistakes to avoid is not including funding in your deck. This point may seem obvious, and as surprising as it is, it often happens, and no funding request is showing up in the presentation.
A funding request isn’t just a number; there are other aspects as well:
- Percentage of Equity
- Where The Money Will Be Spent
- Expected Runway
- Type of Instrument
- Minimum Ticket Value
In conclusion
This are 5 Pitch deck mistakes that cost your investment So creating a winning pitch deck is no small feat, but avoiding common mistakes can make all the difference in securing that crucial investment. Remember, your pitch deck is more than just slides—it’s your story, your vision, and your passion brought to life. If you’re ready to take your pitch deck to the next level or want guidance on how to align it with government schemes, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with ConsultUpindia today and let’s work together to turn your ideas into a compelling, investment-worthy presentation.
