I just provided a webinar to the finalist groups in the Freedom from Cancer Challenge. The topic was on competitive intelligence gathering necessary to put together the market slide and the competitive analysis slide that are expected in the 10 slide pitch deck.
To the novice a 10 side deck might sound like something you can knock out after dinner, but that is far from reality. I believe the best best pitch decks are distilled from a thorough well researched business plan. It goes without saying that a 50 page business plan takes considerable effort to compile. Concentrating that to 10-12 pages for most grants is a skill. Even more effort is necessary to hone back the most critical elements to a 10 slide deck. Make that a 10 slide deck that lends itself to "business theater". Your goal is to pitch a story that is honest, inspiring, clear and memorable. Paint the problem and provide a credible solution that will make money. Leave your angels exited by your ideas and your team and your product and most importantly leave them willing to write a check.
To the novice a 10 side deck might sound like something you can knock out after dinner, but that is far from reality. I believe the best best pitch decks are distilled from a thorough well researched business plan. It goes without saying that a 50 page business plan takes considerable effort to compile. Concentrating that to 10-12 pages for most grants is a skill. Even more effort is necessary to hone back the most critical elements to a 10 slide deck. Make that a 10 slide deck that lends itself to "business theater". Your goal is to pitch a story that is honest, inspiring, clear and memorable. Paint the problem and provide a credible solution that will make money. Leave your angels exited by your ideas and your team and your product and most importantly leave them willing to write a check.