Introduction
Raising money is one of the most important steps for startups that want to grow. A good pitch deck can help a founder get the money they need—or not.
But there’s no such thing as a “perfect” pitch deck. You’ll keep changing and improving it every time you meet with an investor. As your startup grows, your pitch deck should grow too.
If you understand what really matters to investors, you can increase your chance of getting funded. They look for a strong business idea, a clear market, and a team that can do the job well.
A simple and proven way to structure your pitch deck includes these slides:
- Cover & Overview
- The Opportunity
- Problem Statement
- The Solution
- Traction
- Market Size & Customer
- Business Model
- Go-to-market Strategy
- Team Slide
- Ask & Use of Funds
The 7 Big Questions Every Investor Wants to Know
When you build your pitch deck, remember this: investors are not just looking at your idea—they want to know if your business can make money for them. So, your pitch should always answer these 7 big questions:
1. What is the problem?
Investors want to see that you found a real problem. They want to know if this problem affects many people and if it’s serious enough that they would look for a solution.
2. Is it a big problem and worth fixing?
This means showing how big the market is. You need to prove that solving this problem can lead to big growth. Explain your total market size (TAM), the part you can serve (SAM), and the part you can actually reach (SOM). This shows it’s a big chance.
3. What’s your solution and how does it help?
Your solution should fix the problem and also be different from what others offer. Investors want to know if it’s new, can grow fast, and is hard to copy.
4. Who are your customers?
You must show who your target users are. Investors need to know if you’ve clearly identified your customer group and understand their needs.
5. How will you reach them?
You must show how you will get customers without spending too much money. It’s not just about having a product. You should also know how to get it in front of the right people.
6. Is your team the right one?
Even the best idea won’t work without a good team. Investors look at your team’s experience and knowledge. What makes your team the right one to make this business a success?
7. What do you need to make it work?
Tell investors how much money you need, why you need it, and how you will use it. You should also share a plan that shows how this money will help your business grow or start making profits.
How Do Investors Study a Pitch Deck?
Investors often start by quickly checking if your pitch fits what they are looking for. Here’s how they go through it:
First look—does it match their needs?
Before they go deep, investors check if your business fits their area of interest. They look at things like your market, stage of business, and the type of round. If it doesn’t match, they may stop there, even if your idea is good.
Product and market—do people want it?
If you pass the first step, investors check if your product has a market. They look for signs that people need and like what you offer. Good feedback from users is a strong sign that the market wants it.
Big picture—can it bring big returns?
Investors want businesses that can give them big returns, like 10x or more. So, they check if your startup can grow fast and become big. They look at things like revenue, growth speed, and how strong you are in your market.
What Do Investors Like Most in a Pitch Deck?
One thing investors really appreciate is when founders are well-prepared with answers to their questions. This doesn’t mean adding too much into the main deck. It means having backup slides ready with more details—like customer data, financial plans, or growth plans. When you can quickly show a slide that answers their exact question, it builds trust and shows that you understand your business well.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid in a Pitch Deck?
Pitch decks often make the same mistakes. What red flags do investors notice in pitch decks? Here are the most common ones:
Talking too much about the product
Many founders focus on what the product does, like they’re selling it to a customer. But investors care more about the business—how it fits in the market, who the competitors are, and if the business model works.
Not enough data or proof
Saying things like “we’ll get 10% of the market” or “we don’t have any competitors” won’t work without proof. Investors want to see real research, honest numbers, and trusted sources. If your claims are too big without proof, they’ll lose trust.
Believing things that aren’t real
Every startup makes guesses when planning the future. But those guesses should be smart and based on facts. If you say things that are too good to be true about your market size or customer growth, investors will notice.
Extra Tips to Make Your Pitch Deck Stronger
Tell a story
Great pitch decks tell a story. Numbers matter, but so does your story. Explain why your startup exists, why now is the right time, and why you are the one to do it.
Show your competitors
Investors want to know who you’re competing with and what makes you better. Don’t just list names—use a chart or simple image to show how you win in key areas.
Show real customer feedback
If possible, add things like user reviews, early sales, or testimonials. Real proof from real people makes your pitch more believable.
Show your goals and how you’ll measure them
Let investors know what you want to achieve after they give you the money. Add short-term and long-term goals, and how you’ll track progress with numbers (KPIs).
To Sum Up — Your Pitch Deck Should Always Answer These 7 Questions:
- What’s the problem?
- Is it big or worth solving?
- What’s your solution?
- How does it help customers?
- Who are your customers?
- How will you reach them?
- Is your team the right one?
- (Bonus) What do you need to make it happen?
A great pitch deck isn’t just about showing numbers—it’s about telling a strong story that fits what investors want.
If you focus on your message, your business model, your market, and your team, you can build a pitch deck that really stands out.
Need help?
Our pitch decks design service has helped many startups create great pitch decks. If you want a powerful and good-looking pitch, we’re here to support you.
❓FAQs About Investor Pitch Decks
Q1. How long should my pitch deck be?
A: Keep it short and simple. 10–12 slides is a good number to cover all key points without losing attention.
Q2. Should I include financials in my main pitch deck?
A: Yes, but just a summary. You can keep detailed numbers in a separate slide and show it if asked.
Q3. Can I make a pitch deck without traction?
A: Yes. Just focus on the problem, solution, team, and market. Traction is helpful but not always required early on.
Q4. What makes a good team slide?
A: Add names, roles, and why they’re a good fit. Show experience and skills that match the business needs.
Q5. What’s the best way to show competition?
A: Use a simple chart or table to compare your startup with others. Highlight what makes you better.
Q6. Should I talk about risks in the pitch deck?
A: You don’t need a full risk slide, but be ready to talk about challenges and how you’ll handle them.
