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Startups & Fundraising

How to Create a Pitch Deck

Build a compelling startup pitch deck step by step. Learn the proven slide structure used by funded founders and how to tell your story.

7 steps

  1. Start with the problem slide

    Your first real slide should state the problem you solve in one clear sentence. Back it up with a data point or a vivid customer story. Investors need to feel the pain before they can appreciate the solution.

    Pro tip

    If you cannot explain the problem in one sentence, you do not understand it well enough yet.

  2. Present your solution simply

    Describe your product in plain language — no jargon. Show how it directly addresses the problem on the previous slide. Include a product screenshot, demo, or visual if possible. Concrete beats abstract every time.

  3. Show the market size

    Investors need to see a large opportunity. Present TAM (Total Addressable Market), SAM (Serviceable Addressable Market), and SOM (Serviceable Obtainable Market). Use credible third-party sources and show your calculation logic.

    Pro tip

    Bottom-up market sizing ("X customers × Y price × Z frequency") is more credible than citing a research firm report.

  4. Explain your business model

    Clearly state how you make money. Show pricing tiers, revenue streams, and key unit economics (CAC, LTV, payback period) if you have them. Investors want to understand the economic engine before they fund it.

  5. Present traction and milestones

    Share your most compelling numbers: ARR, MoM growth, users, pilots, or letters of intent. Even early-stage traction signals product-market fit. Use a clean chart that shows momentum, not just current state.

  6. Introduce the team

    Investors fund people as much as ideas. Highlight each founder's relevant experience, domain expertise, and what makes this team uniquely suited to win. Keep it to 2–4 lines per person.

    Pro tip

    Lead with domain expertise and relevant past wins, not job titles.

  7. End with a clear ask

    State the raise amount, how the capital will be allocated (product, hiring, GTM), and what milestones it will unlock. A specific, confident ask signals you have done the financial planning.

Start with a free AI template

Use Inktrail's AI to generate a customised create a pitch deck in seconds. Refine, design, and publish — all on one surface.

Browse free templates

Frequently asked questions

How many slides should a pitch deck have?

The ideal pitch deck for a seed or Series A is 10–15 slides. Anything longer risks losing your audience. Cover problem, solution, market, business model, traction, team, and the ask — then stop.

What format should I send to investors?

PDF is the safest format for sending over email — it preserves your design and works on any device. For in-person pitches, use a live presentation tool like Inktrail so you can add live demos or animations.

Should I include financials in a seed pitch deck?

At seed stage, a 3-year financial model is expected but estimates are acceptable. Focus on showing your assumptions are reasonable and your path to profitability is credible, not on pinpoint accuracy.

How is a pitch deck different from a business plan?

A pitch deck is a visual, narrative tool designed for a 10-minute meeting. A business plan is a detailed written document covering operations, financials, and strategy in depth. Most investors today ask for a pitch deck first.