Common Startup Pitch Deck Mistakes & Pitfalls

Pitch Perfect: Mastering the Art of Avoiding Pitch Deck Pitfalls

Your pitch deck is more than just a collection of slides – it's a make-or-break moment that can determine the trajectory of your venture but also help you as a founder understand what you’re building. With investors' attention spans dwindling and competition fiercer than ever, even the slightest misstep can cost you dearly. But fear not, founder! By understanding and avoiding these common pitch deck mistakes, you'll be well on your way to crafting a pitch that captivates, persuades, and secures the funding you need to bring your vision to life.

In this article we’ll outline some of the common mistakes shared to us by angels, founders, and advisors that they warn founders about when building various iterations of their pitch.

Common Mistake #1: Telling, Not Showing

One of the cardinal sins of pitch decks is relying too heavily on text-heavy slides that merely tell investors about your business, rather than showing them the true potential of your idea. Investors are bombarded with pitches daily, and a wall of text is a surefire way to lose their interest before you've even begun. Instead, embrace the power of visuals – compelling graphics, charts, and images that bring your concept to life and leave a lasting impression.

There will absolutely be different use cases depending if you have the opportunity to speak to your pitch versus sending a deck through cold outreach but this is why you’ll want to have a couple versions based on how it’s being utilized.

Common Mistake #2: Failing to Hook 'Em from the Start

Whether by email or at a live event, you have mere seconds to capture an investor's attention and pique their curiosity. Launching into a dry recitation of your company's history or a dense market analysis is a surefire way to lose them before you've even had a chance to make your case. Instead, open with more of a bang – a provocative statistic, a gripping anecdote, or a bold statement that immediately hooks your audience and makes them want more.

Why should they (or anyone) care about what you’re building?

Common Mistake #3: Neglecting the Problem-Solution Paradigm

At the heart of every successful pitch lies a compelling problem-solution narrative. Investors aren't just looking for a cool product or service; they want to understand the pain point you're addressing and how your solution uniquely solves it. Neglecting to clearly articulate the problem and how your offering alleviates it is a critical oversight that can undermine the entire premise of your pitch. You have to show and convince them that your product or service is valuable! 

A majority of startups fail because they never truly achieve Product Market Fit, and it’s a very clear indicator for investors if a founder doesn’t address this early on to show how well their product can be adapted to the marketplace.

Common Mistake #4: Drowning in Details

While investors certainly want to understand the nuts and bolts of your business, overwhelming them with excessive technical jargon or granular details is a surefire way to lose them in the weeds. Remember, your pitch deck is a high-level overview, not a comprehensive business plan. Focus on communicating the key value propositions, market opportunities, and competitive advantages in a clear, concise, and easily digestible manner.

STOP USING BUZZWORDS & JARGON. Founders and investors have heard this a million times. There can be only so many things that still need to be “democratized” (sorry if this is in your current pitch).

Common Mistake #5: Ignoring the Competitive Landscape

No matter how innovative or disruptive your idea may be, investors will want to understand the competitive landscape and how you plan to differentiate yourself from existing players. Failing to address this crucial aspect can raise red flags and undermine the credibility of your pitch. Conduct thorough research, identify your key competitors, and clearly articulate your unique selling propositions and strategies for gaining market share.

At the same time when you draw your feature/product analysis charts versus competitors, use realistic comparisons instead of “We have X”. “Company Y has Z". If it’s not something that the customer actually wants or will pay for - you don’t need to include it.

Common Mistake #6: Unrealistic Projections and Assumptions

While investors appreciate ambition and big thinking, presenting overly optimistic or unrealistic projections and assumptions is a recipe for disaster. Not only does it undermine your credibility, but it also raises doubts about your ability to execute and navigate the inevitable challenges that lie ahead. Instead, ground your projections in solid research, defensible assumptions, and a clear understanding of market dynamics and potential risks.

TAM/SAM/SOM should be utilized to show an ambitious but realistic slice your company can capture within the market. Not just highlight the entire sum of all your customers in the industry.

Common Mistake #7: Neglecting the Team Factor
At the end of the day, investors aren't just betting on your idea – they're betting on you and your team. This is especially important depending on the stage that you’re fundraising. Failing to highlight the expertise, experience, and track record of your founding team and key hires is a missed opportunity to instill confidence in your ability to execute and navigate the challenges ahead. Dedicate a portion of your pitch deck to showcasing your team's strengths and why they're the right people to bring your vision to fruition.

Putting it to Practice

Now that you're armed with the knowledge of these common pitch deck pitfalls, it's time to put that wisdom into practice and craft a pitch that truly shines. Remember, a great pitch deck is more than just a collection of slides – it's a carefully crafted narrative that captivates, persuades, and leaves a lasting impression. Start by crafting a compelling hook that immediately grabs your audience's attention and sets the stage for the rest of your pitch. Then, weave a seamless problem-solution narrative that clearly articulates the pain point you're addressing and how your offering uniquely solves it. Support your claims with compelling visuals, concise yet impactful messaging, and a clear understanding of your competitive landscape and market opportunities. Ground your projections and assumptions in solid research and a realistic assessment of potential risks and challenges.

Lastly and perhaps most importantly, showcase the strength and expertise of your team – the driving force behind your venture's success. With these principles in mind, you'll be well on your way to crafting a pitch deck that not only avoids common pitfalls but also captivates, persuades, and leaves a lasting impression on even the most discerning investors. So, take a deep breath, channel your inner Steve Jobs, and get ready to pitch like a pro. The road to entrepreneurial success is paved with challenges, but by mastering the art of the pitch deck, you'll be well-equipped to navigate those obstacles and secure the funding you need to bring your vision to life.

To learn more about how to Pitch to VC’s visit one of our Gildre Executive Workshops hosted by Propellant Ventures Managing Partner, Jason Jacobsohn.