Content Expectations

Section 1: Venture Name/ Logo Slide

Visually introduce your venture with a stylized name/ logo.

Also consider including the name of your proposed solution (e.g., the name of your first product or service) and a tagline. 

For example, "Hi, my name is Brent, and I am the founder of C7 Innovations. I'd like to tell you about our first product, the Evidence-Based Pitch Deck Guide, which helps innovators replace ego with evidence."

Section 2: Problem Slide(s)

WHO has a problem?

Single slide version: Visually introduce someone who has a problem and might use AND pay for a solution.

• This problem introduction method can be accomplished via the user pays model.

Double slide version: Visually introduce TWO separate people who you might help -  someone who might use a new solution AND someone else who might pay for a new solution. These two people often have different, but related, problems that you may care enough to solve. This problem introduction method can be accomplished via one of the following three models:

• An enterprise pays model.

• A sponsor pays model.

• A foundation/ donor pays model.

Visually or verbally describe why you deeply care about this problem and these people. 

Visually or verbally describe how many other people have this problem globally. Is it a growing number? This will help your audience understand the potential market size.

Section 3: Solution Slide(s)

What is the solution? 

Provide a visual overview from the perspective of the user/ payer, such as:

• software, including:

  • apps and web sites,

  • e-commerce platforms,

  • branded content (e.g., social media, blogs, etc.),

  • consulting, coaching, programming, or service portals, which may lead to in-person interactions.

• hardware (e.g., physical products for consumers or businesses)

• hybrid (e.g., products and services comprising software and hardware, etc.)

• storefronts (e.g., retail, service, or food and beverage establishments, etc.)

How does the solution work from the perspective of the user (in three steps or less)?

Optional: Provide visual evidence of a marketplace experiment (MVP), mock-up, smoke test, etc.

Optional:  What is the strategic market opportunity for your solution? Is this type of solution (technology category) disruptive, trending, and/or growing? 

Section 4: Competitive Analysis Slide(s)

Visually describe your known competitors (other solution options) from the perspective of the user and/or payer with a focus on your unique value proposition.

Compare a maximum of three features with a maximum of three competitors in a table or quad chart format.

Optional: Include opportunity cost economics using/ buying decision illustrations.

Section 5: Revenue Model Slide(s)

Walk us through a typical sale from the perspective of the payer. Graphically illustrate:

• Where does the transaction take place (online or in person)? 

• How much is each transaction (price per unit or service package)?

• How often do transactions occur (one-time purchase, sporadically, or subscription)? 

Optional: Provide visual evidence of marketplace traction - proof of a financial sale or pre-sale (e.g., crowdfunding campaign, letter of intent, or purchase order).

Section 6: Go-To-Market Slide(s)

Visually describe how you will reach more users/ payers within your beachhead market beyond your first sale.

Use a “bottom-up” go-to-market illustration based on geography, digital communities, or industry gatherings.

Optional: Visually illustrate how you might acquire, keep, and grow your customers with COCA and LTV analyses.

Optional: Include a TAM SAM SOM strategy diagram.

Section 7: Team Slide(s)

Visually introduce who will execute on the market opportunity.

Aim to include ~3 real or target co-founders (or collaborators) with diverse perspectives and complementary skills.

Optional: If your team has significant expertise in the problem/ solution space (e.g., ~5-10 years of industry experience), or the entrepreneurial space (e.g., 2-5 successful ventures/ exits), you may consider moving your team slide between your problem and solution slides.

Section 8: Ask Slide(s)

Visually illustrate your ask and, if received, how the resources will lead to measurable outcomes within the next 3-6 months.

If asking for money (debt, equity, or grant capital), specify:

• How much $ do you need? (e.g., $1-100K)

• On what will these funds be spent? (e.g.,70% on customer acquisition, 20% on product development, 10% on legal)

• When will these investments will be made? (e.g., specific dates within the next 3-6 months)

• What measurable outcomes will these investments achieve? (e.g., grow from 1 to 50 paying customers within 3 months, etc.)

If asking for non-monetary support (mentorship or strategic introductions), specify:

• Who are you seeking and why?

• What measurable outcomes will these relationships achieve? (e.g., grow from 1 to 50 paying customers within 3 months, etc.)

Section 9: Closing Slide

Visually re-introduce your archetypical user and/ or payer with your prototype solution.

Consider adding a quote that reinforces the positive outcomes of the solution.