What Makes a Great Pitch Deck
A pitch deck is your startup's story compressed into 10-15 slides. It's often the first substantive impression investors have of your company, so it needs to be compelling, clear, and credible.
The best pitch decks don't try to say everything. They highlight what matters most: a real problem, a compelling solution, a big market, and a capable team. They tell a story that makes investors want to learn more.
This template follows the structure used by successful startups to raise millions. Adapt it to your specific story, but maintain the logical flow that investors expect.
Pitch Deck Slides
1. Title Slide
First impression and context setting
[Company Name]
[One-line description of what you do]
[Logo]
Presented by: [Founder Name] Date: [Date] Contact: [Email]
Tips
- Keep the tagline to 10 words or less
- Make sure your logo is high quality
- Include contact information
2. Problem
Establish the pain point you're solving
The Problem
[Problem Statement in one sentence]
• [Pain point 1 with data/example]
• [Pain point 2 with data/example]
• [Pain point 3 with data/example]
Impact: [Quantify the cost of the problem]
Tips
- Make the problem feel urgent and real
- Use specific examples or customer quotes
- Quantify the problem when possible
3. Solution
Show how you solve the problem
Our Solution
[Solution in one sentence]
[Screenshot or visual of product]
Key Benefits: • [Benefit 1] • [Benefit 2] • [Benefit 3]
Tips
- Show, don't just tell—use visuals
- Connect solution directly to the problem
- Highlight what makes you different
4. Product Demo
Show your product in action
How It Works
[3-4 screenshots or video embed showing key user flow]
Step 1: [User action] Step 2: [User action] Step 3: [User action] Result: [Value delivered]
Tips
- Keep it simple—show the core workflow
- Use real screenshots, not mockups
- Consider a short video demo
5. Market Opportunity
Show the size of the opportunity
Market Opportunity
TAM: $__B [Total market]
SAM: $__B [Addressable market]
SOM: $__M [Target market]
Market Growth: __% CAGR
Key Trends: • [Trend supporting your thesis] • [Trend supporting your thesis]
Tips
- Use credible sources for market data
- Explain your market segmentation logic
- Show why the market is growing
6. Business Model
Explain how you make money
Business Model
Revenue Model: [SaaS/Marketplace/etc.]
Pricing: • [Tier 1]: $/month • [Tier 2]: $/month • [Tier 3]: $__/month
Unit Economics: • CAC: $__ • LTV: $__ • LTV:CAC: __:1
Tips
- Be clear and specific about pricing
- Show unit economics if you have them
- Explain any unique aspects of your model
7. Traction
Prove you're making progress
Traction
[Growth chart showing key metric over time]
Key Metrics: • MRR: $__ (↑__% MoM) • Customers: __ • Growth Rate: __%
Milestones: • [Achievement 1] • [Achievement 2] • [Achievement 3]
Tips
- Show a growth chart if possible
- Highlight month-over-month growth
- Include notable customer logos if applicable
8. Competition
Show your competitive positioning
Competitive Landscape
[2x2 matrix or comparison chart]
| Feature | Us | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Feature] | ✓ | ✗ | ~ |
| [Feature] | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Our Advantage: [Why we win]
Tips
- Be honest about competition
- Focus on your unique advantages
- Don't dismiss competitors
9. Team
Show you're the right team to win
Team
[Headshots]
[Name] - CEO Previously: [Relevant experience]
[Name] - CTO Previously: [Relevant experience]
[Name] - [Role] Previously: [Relevant experience]
Advisors: [Notable names]
Tips
- Highlight relevant experience
- Show why this team can win
- Include notable advisors
10. Financials
Show your financial projections
Financial Projections
[Chart showing revenue projections]
| Year | Revenue | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $__ | __% |
| Year 2 | $__ | __% |
| Year 3 | $__ | __% |
Key Assumptions: • [Assumption 1] • [Assumption 2]
Tips
- Be realistic, not hockey-stick optimistic
- Show your assumptions
- Connect projections to your strategy
11. The Ask
Tell investors what you need
The Ask
Raising: $__M [Stage]
Use of Funds: • Product: __% • Sales/Marketing: __% • Team: __% • Operations: __%
Milestones This Round: • [What you'll achieve] • [What you'll achieve] • [What you'll achieve]
Tips
- Be specific about the amount
- Show how you'll use the money
- Connect to clear milestones
12. Closing
Leave a lasting impression
[Company Name]
[Memorable closing statement]
[Contact Information] [Email] [Website]
Thank you!
Tips
- End with a compelling vision
- Make it easy to contact you
- Include backup slides if needed
Pitch Deck Best Practices
- •Keep it to 10-15 slides maximum
- •Use visuals over text wherever possible
- •Practice your delivery until it's natural
- •Have backup slides for detailed questions
- •Tailor the deck for each investor
Key Takeaways
- Tell a compelling story, not just facts
- Lead with the problem and make it feel urgent
- Show traction and momentum wherever possible
- Be clear about what you're asking for
- Your deck gets you the meeting—you close the deal
