1The Elevator Pitch
Your elevator pitch is a 30-60 second summary of your startup. It should answer three questions: What do you do? Who is it for? Why does it matter?
Structure: Start with the problem, introduce your solution, highlight traction or unique insight, and end with what you're looking for.
Practice until it feels natural. You should be able to deliver it at any moment—at a party, in an actual elevator, or when you bump into an investor.
- Lead with a hook that makes people want to hear more
- Avoid jargon—explain it like you would to a smart friend outside your industry
- Include a memorable number or fact if you have one
2The Pitch Deck Structure
A pitch deck typically has 10-15 slides. Quality over quantity—each slide should earn its place.
Essential slides: Problem, Solution, Market Size, Business Model, Traction, Team, Competition, Financials, Ask.
Design matters. Investors see hundreds of decks. A clean, professional design signals competence.
- One idea per slide
- Use visuals over text when possible
- Your deck should make sense without you presenting it
3Telling Your Story
Facts tell, stories sell. Investors remember narratives, not bullet points.
Structure your pitch as a story: the world before your solution, the problem you discovered, your breakthrough insight, and the future you're building.
Personal connection matters. Why are YOU the person to solve this problem?
4Handling Q&A
The Q&A reveals how you think. Investors are evaluating your judgment as much as your answers.
It's okay to say 'I don't know, but here's how I'd find out.' Never make up numbers.
Prepare for common questions: market size, customer acquisition cost, competitive advantage, why now, and how you'll use the funds.
- Pause before answering—it shows thoughtfulness
- Answer the actual question, not what you wish they asked
- Turn tough questions into opportunities to show insight