How to write an Investor Pitch that gets results
Starting your journey to secure VC or funding for your kiwi start-ups can feel overwhelming. Especially if it’s your first time pitching to investors. But bootstrapped to the gunnals – it’s got ot happen right?
There’s good news. A carefully planned pitch deck grounded in firm insights can help you stand out. When you combine a strong narrative, clear data, and concise messaging, you’ll be well-positioned to capture attention. Here’s how to craft a pitch that truly delivers results.
1. Grab Investor attention immediately: Why your opening slide is key
Skimming over your opening slide when writing for investors can make or break your pitch. Seriously, VCs & Investors review hundreds of decks every month. Realistically, that means your story needs to be grasped in only a few seconds. To hook your audience right away, your opening needs to be clear, compelling, and purposeful. Sometimes, as Founders, we assume knowledge from the reader that is not there. Here’s what we see: you’re too close to the business and your blindspots can make or break the pitch.
What to include on Slide One of the Pitch Deck:
- Value Proposition: What problem are you addressing? For who? Why does it matter to your audience? Every day at Good CX spot gaps in thinking that need to be clarified.
- Market Opportunity: Briefly explain the size of your specific market and why it’s ripe for investment.
- Key Differentiation: How does your solution stand out from current competitors? Can you patent the offering? What are the barriers to entry? If you wobble here, try to finish this sentence to guide your thinking: “ONLY we can….”
Pro Tip: Focus on simplicity. Use strong visuals and keep text to a minimum. Importantly, don’t overwhelm investors with too much information on your first slide.
2. Clearly define the consumer problem and your Unique Solution
Heard of the Unmet need? A great pitch doesn’t just present a solution. Oh no, it explains why the problem matters to real people. So start by showing investors that you understand the pain points in your market. Intimately. Then, position your solution as the obvious answer. Finally, give proof of how you solve the unmet need uniquely.
How to define the Consumer problem:
- Use real-world data or customer testimonials to show the problem’s magnitude. We can’t stress enough that Research and consumer insights matter.
- Highlight why existing competitive solutions aren’t working.
- Present your product or service as a practical, scalable alternative.
Real stories also work wonders here. For example, share how a customer benefited from your product. Bored investors are more likely to remember your pitch when it’s artfully tied to an emotional, real-world story. Tissues anyone?
3. Show Investors your momentum (traction)
Nothing excites investors more than proof of progress. Enter your traction slide, where you show your business is gaining momentum. Ideally, include measurable, impressive metrics that demonstrate your ability to execute your strategy.
Examples of Traction Metrics:
- Customer adoption rates (e.g., “We gained 10,000 active users in six months.”).
- Month-over-month revenue growth or profitability milestones.
- Strategic partnerships or endorsements.
- Favorable customer feedback or Net Promoter Scores (NPS).
Including these metrics not only builds excitement but also reassures investors that your business is on the right track.
4. Present a clear and scalable Business Model
Naturally, investors need to know how your startup makes money, and how it plans to scale profitably. Be transparent about your business model and why it’s designed for growth.
What to include:
- Revenue Streams: Where does your money come from today?
- Cost Structure: Show how you plan to keep expenses in check while scaling.
- Scalability: Highlight whether your model is adaptable to other markets or industries.
For example: If your team plans to scale into international markets, use this slide to provide brief market validation data or export readiness research.
5. Be specific about your ‘Ask’
Your “Ask” slide is crucial. Avoid vague requests like “seeking investment for growth.” Investors want clarity. They need to know exactly how much funding you’re asking for and how you plan to use it.
Break it down for Investors:
- State the size of your request.
- Explain what the funding will cover (e.g., “50% allocated for product development, 30% for marketing, 20% for hiring.”).
- Share projected returns and milestones (e.g., what investors can expect by year two).
When you’re upfront and specific, it builds trust. Confidence and transparency go hand-in-hand when pitching.
Resources for New Zealand Founders
| Funding Program | Who It’s For | How It Helps | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZTE Springboard Funding | Export-ready startups | Co-funds consultancy and branding strategies for businesses scaling internationally. | Learn more |
| Startup Aotearoa | Startups across New Zealand | Offers 50% co-funding for hiring consultants via the Management Capability Fund. | Learn more |
| Callaghan Innovation Grants | R&D and innovation-driven startups | Some funding for research, development, and commercialization projects is still around. | Learn more |
Conclusion: Your pitch is a gateway
We’ve all seen enough Dragon’s Den to know an investor pitch isn’t just a presentation. It’s your opportunity to sell your vision and demonstrate your readiness for scale. When you follow these steps and take advantage of resources like NZTE Springboard or Startup Aotearoa, your pitch will stand out in a crowded market.
Some of our favourite work has been enabled by Management Capability funding as it’s allowed brands who skipped their core positioning during the bootstrapping stage to reframe their story for customers they work with us to better understand. Reach out if you’re looking to take the plunge and want to get it right the first time.
