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Inside the Investor's Mind
Crafting a Pitch Deck They Can't Resist

The Funding Sherpa Newsletter Edition #3
Inside the Investor's Mind - Crafting a Pitch Deck They Can't Resist
Ever wonder what's buzzing through an investor's mind as they're inundated with pitches, prospects, and proposals all day?
It's like they're caught in this whirlwind of ideas, each screaming, "Pick me! I'm the next unicorn!"
But how do YOU become the signal amidst all that noise? How do you grab that investor by the collar and say, "Hey, look at me. I'm the real deal!"?
Let's break it down.
1. The Problem-Solution Symphony:
Your startup shouldn't just be scratching itches. It should be healing wounds.
Does your solution alleviate a real pain point? And if it does, how unique and compelling is it?
Remember Paul Graham's words: build what's worth doing, not what's trending.
Paul Graham once wrote that to build a big, successful startup "You’ve got to start with a small, intense fire."
What's your favorite example of this?
A (now) big successful startup that, for years, had a tiny but loyal set of users/customers?
— Sam Parr (@thesamparr)
4:35 PM • Feb 17, 2022
2. Dive into the Market Ocean:
It's all about vast, uncharted waters, not stagnant ponds.
If you're presenting a paddle boat in the middle of the ocean, you've got to make sure there's potential for it to transform into a massive cruise liner.
Startup Founders: Your niche is far more important than your TAM.
Your market size is essential to show investors where you can go --- BUT --- what's even more important is knowing where you will start, as you don't have capital, time, or product to go after more than one ICP.… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
— Jen Abel (@jjen_abel)
12:31 PM • Aug 19, 2023
3. Your Team - The Startup's Avengers:
Here's the truth bomb - investors aren't just buying your idea, they're buying into YOU.
Can your team, with its unique superpowers, weather the startup storms?
Founders raising money for their pre-revenue startup - your valuation will be determined less by your product and market and more by the strength of your storytelling and team.
Early on - investors are buying into your dream.
— Ankur Warikoo (@warikoo)
11:42 AM • Aug 21, 2021
4. The Money Map - Business Model:
Cash is king, but how do you plan to keep it flowing?
Is your revenue model a short-lived stream or the mighty Amazon River that's sustainable and can scale?
First, cash is king. I love startup options as much as anyone but they don’t pay the bills.
130k for a Jr. PM with 2 years of experience seems good, but we looked at Levels to compare. I found the cash comp to be a bit under what APMs make at LinkedIn (a good comp for the role).
— Alex Cohen (@anothercohen)
6:42 PM • Oct 27, 2022
5. Surveying the Battlefield - Competitive Landscape:
Who else is out there? And more crucially, what makes you the standout hero in this tale? Your secret weapon in this startup saga can be a game-changer.
❗️CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE is IMPORTANT in YOUR business.
1) WHAT could YOU do to make your customers (members) feel special?
2) WHAT will make them want to TALK about and RECOMMEND you?
3) WHAT makes you stand out from the CROWD (competition)?#standout#customer serivce
— Gordon Burcham (@Gordonburcham)
8:24 AM • Oct 9, 2018
Spotlight - Airbnb's Epic Tale:
Now, let's not just talk, let's walk. Dive into Airbnb's legendary pitch deck with me. They didn't just present a platform; they painted a world of belonging.
Their growth wasn't just a statistic; it was a thrilling climb. And the competition? They carved their own epic niche, setting the stage for a travel revolution.
You can read the full AirBnB pitch deck here: https://www.slideshare.net/PitchDeckCoach/airbnb-first-pitch-deck-editable
As you sit down to craft your narrative, remember you're not just ticking boxes. You're lighting a fire, igniting passion, and inviting investors to join you on a thrilling journey.
It's not about slides; it's about stories. And as Peter Thiel puts it, be unique, or be forgotten.
Till next week, keep climbing and remember: you've got a sherpa by your side!
Stay tuned as we dive even deeper into mastering the art of the pitch. Bring your oxygen tanks; we're ascending to new heights! 🚀
Mash Bonigala
Serial Founder / Angel Investor
P.S. Got questions? Stories to share? Reply right here. I read every response. Really! Or message me on Twitter/X - Bonigala