A successful pitch deck is all about clarity, storytelling, and connecting with your audience. Follow the 10/20/30 rule: use 10 slides, present in 20 minutes, and keep text readable with a 30-point font. Here’s a quick breakdown of the 10 essential slides:

• 1. Company Overview: Introduce your brand, logo, and tagline.
• 2. Market Problem: Highlight the problem your business solves.
• 3. Your Solution: Show how your product or service addresses the problem.
• 4. Product Details: Explain key features and benefits.
• 5. Revenue Structure: Outline how your business generates income.
• 6. Market Entry Plan: Share your go-to-market strategy and growth phases.
• 7. Market Position: Show what makes you stand out from competitors.
• 8. Team Background: Highlight your team’s expertise and achievements.
• 9. Numbers and Forecasts: Present realistic financial projections and KPIs.
• 10. Progress and Needs: Share milestones and funding requirements.

Each slide should tell a cohesive story, backed by data, visuals, and a clear narrative. Use these slides to engage investors and secure funding.

15 Slides you NEED on your Pitch Deck – Startups 101

1. Company Overview

The Company Overview slide is your chance to introduce your brand with clarity and impact. Start with your company name, logo, and a tagline or value proposition that captures attention.

Key elements to include:

• Your company name and logo should stand out.
• Use a short, engaging tagline or value proposition that sums up what you offer.

"At CRC, Movere stands for emotionally-resonant branding & messaging that moves people: it lights up their heart (giving them the ‘feels’), and sparks their mind, motivating them to take action (read: sales)." – CRC

This is where you establish a brand identity that connects with your audience. It’s not just about looking good – it’s about creating a foundation for your story.

After introducing your brand, make sure to highlight the market problem your business is addressing.

2. Market Problem

The Market Problem slide focuses on the challenges your solution tackles and the issues faced by your target audience.

For many startups and small businesses, building a strong brand identity can be a major hurdle. This often limits growth and makes it harder to connect with customers effectively.

Here’s what to emphasize:

• Problem Scale: Ineffective messaging and unclear positioning can stop businesses from fully engaging with their market.
• Current Market Gap: Existing solutions often fall short. Many businesses struggle to find high-quality brand strategy expertise without breaking the bank.
• Customer Impact: These issues disrupt daily operations. For instance, inconsistent messaging, weak differentiation, and poorly executed pitches can significantly hold businesses back.

Once you’ve outlined these pain points, explain how your solution directly addresses them.

3. Your Solution

Explain how your solution addresses the challenges outlined earlier. This slide is your chance to connect the dots and demonstrate how your approach solves the problems.

Focus on these three main points:

• Core Value Proposition

ChrisRubinCreativ’s Movere℠ approach replaces weak branding with messaging that drives action. Their process boasts an impressive 88% success rate for pitches aimed at deals worth $10M+ over a 12-month period.

• Unique Methodology

Highlight the specific steps and structure of your solution. For example, ChrisRubinCreativ breaks their branding process into clear phases:

Phase	Duration	Outcome
Brand Clarity	30–45 days	Clear and defined brand identity
Brand Positioning	15–20 days	Strategy for standing out in the market
Brand Resonance	15–25 days	A framework for impactful messaging

This structured approach ensures progress is measurable and results are tangible.

• Measurable Impact

Support your solution with data that proves its effectiveness. For example, research from Forrester highlights that emotional connections drive customer decisions and loyalty 1.5× more than other studied factors.

"Movere is all about identifying that win‐win spot where your brand’s value propositions, and your audience’s interests, align." – CRC

Clearly show how your solution not only addresses the problems but also improves outcomes for your customers. Tie it directly back to the challenges for maximum impact.

4. Product Details

This slide dives into the core features of your product and shows how it works in real-world scenarios. It’s your chance to clearly explain the practical benefits your solution offers and why it stands out in the market.

To structure your product details effectively, focus on these key components:

Component	Description	Impact Metric
Core Technology	Main functionality and unique approach	Performance indicators
Key Features	Capabilities that address user challenges	Benefits delivered to users
Implementation	Integration into existing workflows	Time-to-value or efficiency

These components help connect your product’s features to meaningful outcomes for your audience. They also provide a roadmap for how your solution delivers measurable results.

For instance, ChrisRubinCreativ’s Movere℠ approach demonstrates this concept well:

• Core Technology: Movere℠ combines emotional branding with data-driven strategies to produce measurable business outcomes.
• Implementation: Steps include brand analysis, audience research, aligning value propositions, crafting messages, and refining performance.

When presenting, visuals can make a big difference. Use screenshots or diagrams to illustrate how your product works, but focus on showing the benefits rather than just the technical specs. For example, instead of saying, "Our product has an analytics dashboard", explain how it enables users to make smarter, faster decisions.

Lastly, connect the dots between features and the value they bring – this is what resonates most with your audience. Now, let’s look at how these features can directly impact revenue.

5. Revenue Structure

The Revenue Structure slide explains how your business generates income and supports growth. Use this table to organize your slide:

Revenue Component	What to Include	Why It Matters
Pricing Model	Subscription tiers, one-time fees, or usage-based pricing	Highlights revenue predictability
Revenue Streams	Primary and secondary income sources	Shows diversification
Unit Economics	Cost per acquisition, lifetime value, margins	Demonstrates profitability potential

Here’s what to focus on:

1. Pricing Strategy
   Take ChrisRubinCreativ as an example. They offer tiered service packages tailored to different client needs, from startups looking to establish their brand to enterprises seeking advanced brand transformations.
2. Revenue Diversification
   Break down your revenue streams by percentage to show variety:
   • Main income source (core product or service)
   • Additional revenue (add-ons or premium features)
   • Split between recurring and one-time revenue
3. Financial Metrics
   Include key numbers like CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost), LTV (Lifetime Value), gross margins, and MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue) growth. These metrics demonstrate profitability and growth potential.

If your business benefits from economies of scale, explain how costs decrease as you grow, improving margins. For SaaS companies, emphasize how marginal costs remain low while maintaining high gross margins (typically 70-80%).

Lastly, showcase your pricing power by illustrating how the ROI of your product justifies premium pricing. This slide is crucial for proving that your product not only delivers value but also supports sustainable revenue growth.

Next, we’ll cover your go-to-market strategy.

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6. Market Entry Plan

Lay out a clear strategy for acquiring customers and driving growth. Focus on three main areas:

Strategy Component	Key Elements	Success Metrics
Distribution Channels	Direct sales, partnerships, digital platforms	Customer reach, conversion rates
Marketing Approach	Content strategy, paid advertising, events	CAC, engagement rates
Growth Timeline	Launch phases, expansion milestones	MoM growth, market penetration

Distribution Strategy

Define your primary and secondary channels for reaching customers. For instance, if you’re introducing a B2B SaaS product, you might prioritize direct sales for enterprise clients (contracts over $50,000 annually) while offering a self-service model for smaller businesses (contracts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 annually).

Marketing Channels

Identify the most effective ways to promote your product:

• Content Marketing: Share thought leadership pieces, highlight successful case studies, and provide educational resources to build trust and authority.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with technology providers, join industry associations, or work with channel partners to expand your reach.
• Growth Metrics: Track KPIs like customer acquisition goals (monthly or quarterly), performance across channels, and market penetration rates.

Timeline and Milestones

Break your market entry into clear phases:

• Phase 1: Soft Launch (0-3 months)
  Begin beta testing, gather user feedback, and refine your product to better meet market needs.
• Phase 2: Market Expansion (3-12 months)
  Ramp up marketing efforts, grow your sales team, and tap into secondary markets.
• Phase 3: Market Leadership (12+ months)
  Expand internationally, introduce new product lines, and consider strategic acquisitions to solidify your position.

If you’ve already conducted pilot programs or gained traction, showcase those results to reinforce the strength of your approach.

7. Market Position

Your market position slide is where you showcase how your brand stands out in a competitive landscape. Focus on highlighting your unique strengths and the emotional connection you build with your audience – this is what sets your brand apart.

Start by conducting a Competitive Marketplace Assessment to understand the landscape. Use insights from customers and the market to clearly define what makes your brand different. This is a core part of what ChrisRubinCreativ (CRC) focuses on in its brand strategy consulting: crafting messaging that resonates and targeting strategies that turn customers into loyal advocates. This differentiation lays the groundwork for building and maintaining your market share.

Support your position with customer research, testimonials, and market insights. Showing this alignment not only strengthens your credibility with investors but also demonstrates a clear path to achieving and sustaining your market share.

8. Team Background

Introduce the key players on your team, highlighting their experience and achievements that directly support your goals. Focus on the expertise that aligns with your vision and drives success.

Take ChrisRubinCreativ (CRC) as an example. Founder Chris Rubin brings over 25 years of experience in brand strategy, having worked with 65+ clients and achieving an impressive 88% success rate for pitches targeting $10M+ deals within a year.

Make sure to spotlight accomplishments like industry awards, successful business exits, or high-profile client work. Here are a couple of endorsements that showcase proven expertise:

"Chris explains complex concepts in simple terms and ‘gets’ the bigger picture of what needs to be achieved. He is great fun to work with and an asset to any team." – Rick B., Brand Creative Director at Dropbox

"Chris’ passion affords him the ability to deliver on a very creative level, across multiple disciplines." – Thad K., Founder/CEO of BusinessOnline

When presenting your team, focus on these critical elements:

Element	What to Include
Role & Responsibility	Current position and specific duties that contribute to the company’s success
Relevant Experience	Previous roles and accomplishments that tie directly to the venture’s objectives
Industry Recognition	Awards, certifications, or noteworthy achievements that validate expertise
Key Skills	Specialized knowledge or abilities that fuel company growth

The goal is to emphasize how your team’s combined skills and experience align to execute your vision effectively. This balance of expertise sets the foundation for showcasing the company’s growth potential in later discussions.

9. Numbers and Forecasts

This slide should clearly showcase data-driven projections that highlight your venture’s growth potential and financial health. Focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter most to investors. Use the table below to organize your data effectively:

Metric Type	What to Include	Typical Timeframe
Revenue Projections	Monthly/annual revenue targets, growth rate	Over the next 3-5 years
Cost Structure	Operating expenses, COGS, marketing spend	Over the next 3-5 years
Key Metrics	CAC, LTV, churn rate	Current + 3 years
Market Share	Projected market penetration, user/customer growth	Over the next 3-5 years

These metrics should tie back to earlier insights, reinforcing your venture’s potential.

When presenting forecasts, ensure they are realistic, well-researched, and tied to clear milestones:

• Base projections on reliable market research and historical data.
• Clearly explain assumptions. For example, justify a 25% quarterly growth rate with specific strategies or market trends.
• Set tangible goals like "Achieve $5M ARR by Q4 2026" or "Gain 100,000 active users by the end of 2025."
• Include a sensitivity analysis to show how changes in key variables could impact outcomes.

Use simple, clean charts to illustrate both optimistic and conservative scenarios, focusing on 3-4 key metrics. Double-check that all numbers align and cross-reference accurately.

Investors will scrutinize these details closely. By combining logical assumptions with clear, achievable milestones, you can build confidence in your financial plan.

10. Progress and Needs

Divide this slide into two parts: Progress Milestones and Funding Requirements.

Progress Milestones

Highlight 3-4 of your most notable achievements that showcase the strength of your business model. These could include:

• Revenue milestones: Share any key revenue figures or growth percentages.
• User/customer growth metrics: Highlight user acquisition rates or customer retention stats.
• Strategic partnerships: Mention collaborations that have strengthened your market position.
• Product development landmarks: Include major updates or launches.
• Market validation points: Reference customer feedback, reviews, or industry recognition.

Funding Requirements

Explain how the requested investment will help you build on these milestones. Be clear and specific about how the funds will be used and the impact they will have.

Funding Component	Allocation	Expected Impact
Amount Requested	Exact dollar amount (e.g., $2.5M)	Key growth objectives
Use of Funds	Percentage breakdown (e.g., 40% engineering, 30% marketing)	Milestones to achieve
Timeline	Month-by-month plan	Anticipated outcomes

Key Points to Include:

• Clearly state the total funding amount you’re seeking.
• Break down spending into categories (e.g., engineering, marketing, sales, operations).
• Tie each allocation to specific growth goals or milestones.
• Provide a timeline showing how and when the funds will be deployed.

Example: A SaaS company requests $2.5M in Series A funding, allocating 40% to engineering, 30% to marketing, 20% to sales, and 10% to operations. The goal is to reach $5M ARR within 18 months.

Make It Visual

Use charts or graphs to illustrate how the funds will be distributed across different areas of the business. This helps investors quickly grasp your priorities and strategy.

Next Steps

With your 10 key slides ready, it’s time to focus on delivering a presentation that turns interest into investment.

Preparation and Timing

Aim for a 15-20 minute presentation, followed by 20-30 minutes for Q&A. This keeps the total session within 45-60 minutes. Have backup slides on hand to address detailed questions.

Delivering Your Pitch

Here’s what to focus on:

• Storytelling: Build a narrative that connects emotionally with your audience.

  "We believe emotionally-resonant brand content strategy is the only way to grow."

• Visual Design:
  • Use consistent fonts and colors.
  • Limit text to 50 words per slide.
  • Include high-quality visuals.
  • Stick to a font size of at least 24pt.

Keeping Your Audience Engaged

Phase	Focus	Tactic
Opening	The Problem	Share a market insight.
Core	The Value	Highlight key metrics.
Closing	The Opportunity	Define clear next steps.

Technical Preparation

Ensure you’re ready with:

• A PDF version of your deck as a backup.
• An offline demo in case of connectivity issues.
• Financial data handouts for reference.
• Digital contact details for easy follow-up.

Following Up After the Presentation

A strong follow-up plan is crucial. Here’s what to do:

• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
• Provide any requested information promptly.
• Outline the next steps clearly.
• Share team contact details for further communication.

Your pitch deck is just the beginning of the conversation. Make sure your communication is clear and engaging, reinforcing your brand identity.

Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Overloading slides with information.
• Reading directly from your slides.
• Sticking too rigidly to a script.
• Relying too much on technology.