Ep 2: Investor Outreach - Mistakes Founders Make

In this founder-favorite episode, we walk you through the essentials of building a pitch deck that not only grabs attention—but closes capital. Based on The Pitch Guide for Founders, this episode breaks down the structure, storytelling, and strategy behind a winning investor presentation. If you're raising funding and want to master the art of persuasion, this is the blueprint.

Main Topics Covered:

• Why Decks Matter:
  Your pitch deck is your startup’s first impression—it needs to be clear, compelling, and memorable.
  
  
• Slide-by-Slide Breakdown:
  What to include in each of these key slides:
  • Vision / Mission
  • Problem
  • Solution
  • Market Size
  • Product / Tech
  • Business Model
  • Traction
  • Go-to-Market Strategy
  • Team
  • Financials
  • Competition
  • Ask & Use of Funds
• The Narrative Arc:
  How to tell a story investors remember by combining logic (metrics) with emotion (mission).
• Design & Delivery Tips:
  Visual clarity, font sizing, image use, and timing—plus what VCs really notice during the pitch.

• Common Mistakes:
  • Overcrowded slides
  • Jargon overload
  • Missing “why now”
  • Weak financials or unclear go-to-market plans

Key Takeaways:

• Investors back clarity. Your deck should communicate the business in 3 minutes or less.
• Structure = trust. Stick to proven formats unless you have a compelling reason not to.
• Show traction and inevitability—make investors feel like you're already winning, and they’re just catching up.
• Great design matters, but a clear story matters more.