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Putting together a great pitch deck can make or break your chances of getting investors on board, especially when you’re in the pre-seed stage. It’s your chance to show them why your startup matters, what problem you’re solving, and how you’re going to make it all happen. But the truth is, a lot of founders stumble by making some pretty common mistakes. In this blog, we’ll walk through the top 10 mistakes in startup pitch decks that can kill your pitch. Whether it’s unclear messaging or cluttered slides in a pitch deck, these mistakes can leave investors unsure or uninterested. Let’s dive into what to watch out for so you can craft a deck that gets you funded.
Making a great pitch deck is key to getting investors interested in your startup. However, many founders make common mistakes that can hurt their chances of getting funding. In this list, we’ll highlight the top 10 mistakes in startup pitch decks that you should avoid.
If you can’t clearly explain the problem your startup is solving, you’ve already lost. Investors want to know exactly what issue you’re tackling. Many founders assume that the problem is obvious, but it’s usually not. Make sure the first few slides in your pitch deck spell out the problem in simple terms. Use real-world examples or data to back it up. Without this, your fundraising pitch deck won’t stand a chance.
Once you’ve defined the problem, the next step is to explain why your solution is the best one out there. This is where the value proposition comes in. If you can’t clearly state why your product is unique, then your pitch will fall flat. Investors are bombarded with pitches daily; you need to stand out. Your pitch deck company should emphasize how your product or service is different and why it’s going to succeed where others fail.
Here’s a tip: less is more. One of the biggest mistakes in pitch deck development is trying to cram too much information into a single slide. Nobody wants to read through walls of text or get bogged down by endless data. Keep your pitch deck slides clean and simple. Give just enough info to spark curiosity, and leave the detailed explanations for the Q&A or follow-up meetings.
You say your product is great but do people actually want it? Investors don’t just take your word for it. They need proof that your startup has traction or potential in the market. Whether it’s early customer feedback, waitlists, or a beta launch, make sure you include some form of market validation in your pitch deck. This builds credibility and shows that your idea isn’t just a shot in the dark.
We all want to believe our startup will be the next unicorn, but let’s be honest most startups fail. Investors know this. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by presenting wild financial projections that seem unrealistic. Instead, give projections that are grounded in reality and backed by reasonable assumptions. Make sure your fundraising pitch deck includes a solid financial plan that’s both ambitious and achievable.
Founders often forget that investors are betting on people, not just ideas. Your team slide is critical. Investors want to know if the people behind the product have the chops to execute the vision. Don’t just list names and titles—highlight each team member’s experience and what makes them uniquely qualified to drive the business forward. Your pitch deck company should include this information front and centre.
“We have no competition” is something no investor ever wants to hear. Every startup has competitors—whether direct or indirect. Ignoring them makes you look naive. Instead, show that you’ve done your homework by identifying the competition and explaining how you stack up against them. Investors want to know how you’ll win in the marketplace, so be sure to include this in your slides in the pitch deck.
How is your startup going to make money? It’s shocking how often founders forget to clearly explain their business model. Investors aren’t just interested in a cool product; they want to know how it’s going to generate revenue and grow. Make sure your fundraising pitch deck spells out your monetization strategy in a way that’s easy to understand and scalable.
Your pitch deck slides shouldn’t look like they were thrown together in PowerPoint the night before the meeting. Design matters. A messy, cluttered deck makes you look unprofessional and could turn off potential investors before you even start. If design isn’t your strength, consider working with a pitch deck agency to create a polished, visually appealing presentation that keeps the focus on your message.
You’ve delivered a great presentation, but now what? Don’t forget to wrap things up with a strong call to action. Be clear about what you’re asking for—whether it’s pre-seed fundraising, strategic advice, or a partnership. Many founders miss the chance to ask for what they need because they assume investors will automatically know. Your pitch deck should close with a definitive CTA, making it clear what you expect and how investors can get involved.
Nailing your pitch deck at the pre seed stage is key to setting your startup on the path to success. Avoiding these common mistakes—whether it’s making sure your slides in the pitch deck are clear, or presenting a realistic business model—can make all the difference when it comes to landing that crucial investment. Your fundraising pitch deck should tell a compelling story, backed by solid data and a strong vision. Remember, investors are betting on both the idea and the team behind it. Take the time to craft a polished, thoughtful pitch that stands out, and you’ll increase your chances of turning that “maybe” into a “yes.”
If you are a startup looking for some help with your funding, come pitch us at Eximius here!
Never say you have no competition. Every business has competitors, even if they’re indirect. Show that you understand the competition and explain how your product is different or better.
Eximius Capital Ventures Private Limited is the investment manager of the funds licensed by SEBI under AIF categories CAT I – Eximius Trust I (IN/AIF1/20-21/0855) and CAT II – Eximius Fund (IN/AIF2/24-25/1566).
Eximius Capital Ventures Private Limited is the investment manager of the funds licensed by SEBI under AIF categories CAT I – Eximius Trust I (IN/AIF1/20-21/0855) and CAT II – Eximius Fund (IN/AIF2/24-25/1566).
