MATTHEW BUCKLAND: The pitch deck is your make it or break it tool to securing funding
Many entrepreneurs fail to get beyond this essential first step because they are ill-prepared or try to exaggerate success prospects to potential investors
As an entrepreneur with a new startup, one of the most important weapons you have in your armoury is your pitch deck. It’s your business story, it’s differentiation, and communicates in a digestible form the essence of your business. The digital era is a complex and distracted place. Funders see thousands of pitch decks every month. Your deck should find a way to cut through the clutter and adapt to tight time schedules. It goes without saying that your pitch deck needs to be accurate. Entrepreneurs are prone to hyperbole. They can’t help it. They are naturally optimistic and believe with all their hearts they will achieve those big results. In the US, a well-known local entrepreneur is being indicted, with some of the key charges being that he presented untruthful, exaggerated information on his decks. Be straight, be honest —even about your shortcomings or fears about the business. It will build trust and credibility with your future partner. And it’s the right thing to do. Tech p...
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