What Is a Pitch Deck (And Why You Need One)?
So you’re starting a business and want investors on board? That’s where a pitch deck comes in. Think of it as your startup’s highlight reel—a visual presentation that tells your story, explains your vision, and convinces investors to fund your dream.
It’s not just about pretty slides. It’s about clear messaging, compelling numbers, and confident storytelling.
👉 Already building your funding strategy? Don’t miss our deep dive on startup funding options at VentureLinkUp.
What to Include in a Pitch Deck
Here’s what most investors expect to see:
1. Problem
Start strong by describing the real-world problem your startup solves. Be specific and relatable.
Example:
“Getting blood tests in rural areas takes weeks. Our platform delivers results in 24 hours—at half the cost.”
2. Solution
Show your product or service in action. Keep it visual. Add a quick demo if you can.
3. Market Opportunity
Investors want big opportunities. Talk about your target market and its potential size.
4. Business Model
How do you make money? Keep it simple and direct. Use numbers if you have them.
5. Traction
Any customers, revenue, or partnerships? Share real progress. Investors love data.
6. Team
Highlight the founding team and why you’re the right people to solve this problem.
7. Financials & Projections
Be honest but optimistic. Show where you’re going and how you’ll get there financially.
8. The Ask
Finally, tell them what you need. Be specific about the funding amount and how you’ll use it.
Real-Life Pitch Deck Example: Airbnb
Let’s look at a real-world example.
Airbnb’s original pitch deck was just 10 slides long, but it nailed the essentials. It included:
- A clear problem: Expensive hotels and lack of alternatives.
- A simple solution: Book affordable rooms from real people.
- Market size: Over $1.9 billion at the time.
- Business model: Airbnb takes a 10% fee from bookings.
It wasn’t fancy, but it worked. That deck helped raise their first $600,000. You can check out more pitch deck breakdowns here on VentureLinkUp.
Tips to Make Your Pitch Deck Stand Out
Keep It Short
Aim for 10–15 slides max. Long decks lose attention.
Use Visuals
Skip the walls of text. Use charts, product images, or mockups instead.
Practice Your Pitch
Slides are only half the story. Practice your verbal pitch to sound confident and natural.
Customize It
Tailor your pitch deck for each meeting. Different investors care about different things.
Need Help? Download Our Free Pitch Deck Template
We’ve made it easy to get started. Head over to VentureLinkUp.com and grab a free pitch deck template you can edit in PowerPoint or Google Slides. It’s startup-friendly, investor-tested, and ready to roll.
Focus
Creating a great pitch deck doesn’t require fancy design skills. It takes clarity, confidence, and a little creativity. Focus on telling your story in a way that clicks with investors—and the funding will follow.
Remember, you’re not just selling your product. You’re selling belief in your team, your vision, and your future.
