The pitch deck template is dead. Introducing —  The Pitch Cycle.

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the changing landscape of investor pitching in the current economic climate. It highlights the need to move beyond traditional pitch deck templates and instead focus on a four-part pitch cycle that leverages storytelling and a compelling value proposition to capture investor attention.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Changing Landscape of Investor Pitching

1. What are the key differences in investor pitching when investments are no longer abundant?

• When investments are scarce, you need to pitch differently to stand out and give investors a compelling reason to invest
• Traditional pitch deck templates that focus on "what" to present are no longer effective in the current market
• Instead, you should focus on "why" the investor should listen and be interested in your pitch

2. What is the four-part pitch cycle recommended in the article?

• The four-part pitch cycle includes:
  • Part 1: Capture the investor's imagination with a personal introduction, the company's purpose, and a real-world problem/solution story
  • Part 2: Articulate the business opportunity, avoiding out-of-this-world numbers and focusing on showing why your product has commonality
  • Part 3: Showcase why you and your team are the right people for the job, positioning yourself competitively
  • Part 4: Avoid a direct ask for investment, instead ask for their interest in learning more about your plans for the funding

3. What is the key purpose of the first meeting with an investor?

• The purpose of the first meeting is to secure a second meeting, not to directly ask for investment
• The first 5 minutes of the presentation are critical to grab the investor's attention and make them want to listen for the remaining 40 minutes

[02] Avoiding Traditional Pitch Deck Templates

1. Why should you avoid traditional pitch deck templates?

• Pitch deck templates "box your ideas and energy into a predetermined flow" and do not work in the current market
• Rather than focusing on "what" to present, you should focus on "why" the investor should listen

2. What is the key difference in approach recommended in the article?

• Instead of asking "what" you need to present, you should ask "why" the potential investor should listen

[03] The Four-Part Pitch Cycle

1. What are the key elements of the four-part pitch cycle?

• Part 1: Capture the investor's imagination with a personal introduction, the company's purpose, and a real-world problem/solution story
• Part 2: Articulate the business opportunity, avoiding out-of-this-world numbers and focusing on showing why your product has commonality
• Part 3: Showcase why you and your team are the right people for the job, positioning yourself competitively
• Part 4: Avoid a direct ask for investment, instead ask for their interest in learning more about your plans for the funding

2. How does the four-part pitch cycle help maintain investor attention?

• The four-part cycle harnesses the power of storytelling and your product to take potential investors on a powerful journey
• It's not just about delivering information, but about maintaining attention from start to finish