How to Pitch Your Startup in 5 minutes like a boss

I recently read "Tips on Crafting a Top-Notch Startup Pitch" by Techstars, and had to share some of their insights with you, as well as what I've learned from hosting pitch events for almost 3 years with Startup Denver.  

​And, this is after my own experience pitching after graduating Founder Institute and making my own pitch from their pitch deck recommendations and templates.

First, make sure your deck is detailed factually and highlights ONLY the most vital pieces of information.  It is natural for a great pitch deck to leave out tons of information about both you and your startup.

Because if it includes all of that information, that will hurt strategic people from understanding the only the vital pieces of information, which is your goal in timed pitches.

1.  Describe the Problem

One of the most crucial goals of a pitch is to encourage people-- in 5 minutes when pitching at our events-- why you, as well as your company, are pertinent.

If anyone is going to understand that, it starts with a very well described problem, that the audience (more on that in a sec), relates to!

It's probably best to include this aspect at the start of your pitch presentation, so individuals recognize what they're getting involved in at once.

It always depends upon what you're aiming to accomplish with the pitch," discussed Lykke, "Are you attempting to create basic excitement about the product and your company? Or do you intend to lay the structure for a particular conversation?"

​To evaluate your target market, he suggested asking on your own these concerns: Will you exist in front of a diverse group of business owners at a meeting? Or a group of mobile market specialists? Will you be at a neighborhood occasion? Or pitching to capitalists in a boardroom?

2. Use Facts and Data

I can always tell a lazy pitch because it's not backed by highly convincing numerical information.  A solid pitch shows you some really convincing data, ties it together, and offers you sources so you can easily check how valid their claim is if you feel inclined.

However, just how do you do that? "Avoid basic declarations and make use of numbers as usually as possible," claimed Candy Behunin, who heads marketing at Unicorn Pitch, a pitch deck layout solution for start-ups.

3.  Authenticity Matters Way More Than Success

I can't tell you how many times I've heard the judges at Startup Denver say, "It's a cool idea but don't get why you are the one to start this company.  Why do you care about this problem?"

Put some personal story behind your startup to show authentically why you care about solving the problem you described in your deck!

4.  Know the Audience, then Leave Them Wanting More

When pitching, the first impression is key to keep their attention for the short time period, and the last impression is key to create context on why you're pitching--i.e., what is your call to action?

A great pitch leaves an audience stimulated as well as thrilled.  This is not easy to do, especially after they've already heard a couple pitches before you which is the case at our events.

From developing your pitch deck to delivering your presentation, we spoke with 2 experts in this realm for their insights on the topic. Experienced business owner and also capitalist Felix Haas, who additionally backs Unicorn Pitch, added that 'as an investor, what instantly captures his eye in a pitch deck is seeing that there are wonderful co-investors that are currently devoted.'

Every investor I'm met or interviewed has agreed that an unprofessional-looking presentation is not a great first impression. If the slides are for a pitch to a much more basic audience, choose a streamlined deck that focuses a lot more on a compelling tale if you haven't sharpened your niche yet. 

5. A Professional Pitch Deck

The pitch deck is often an essential aspect accompanying your pitch.

Let me emphasize that:  The pitch deck is a tool that should help your pitch.  

That means that if you're pitch deck is distracting from your pitch that you're doing it wrong.

Think of your deck as media that enhances what you're already talking about.  If you're in Denver, I highly recommend you check out Pitch Deck Fire to build your confidence and tighten your message.

Sometimes, investment choices will certainly be made with you not being present and with individuals whom you have not had a possibility to speak with.  It is not the same a deck you email as an attachment for an investor to consider.

Lastly, some people just suck at pitching. There, I said it. Being able to pitch a concept to unfamiliar people is a needed skill across many markets, not just at our pitch events. For business owners and also startups, though, pitching your company in an engaging way is especially crucial due to the fact that it could be a tipping stone to touchdown possible financiers, partners as well as fans.

If you're not a great pitcher, find someone who shares your passion for your startup and is a natural presenter.

Everyone recognizes it can be hard to pitch on stage, however by just being real, you could construct a great level of empathy in the target market.



Here's a video of a presenter at Startup Denver before, during and after the winners were announced to give you a better taste:

Contact us and tell us who you want to get your pitch in front of or learn how we can help strengthen your professional network.