Guy Kawasaki, a notable venture capitalist, recommends a specific format for a 10-slide pitch deck. This format, known as the 10/20/30 rule, is designed to help startups create a succinct yet compelling pitch to investors. According to Kawasaki, the ideal pitch deck should contain the following ten slides:
- Title: The first slide should present the company name, your name and position, and your contact information.
- Problem: Clearly define the problem that your product or service is designed to solve.
- Solution: Explain how your product or service provides a solution to the problem you’ve identified.
- Business Model: Describe how your company intends to make money from your product or service.
- Underlying Magic: Discuss the technology, secret sauce, or magic behind your product.
- Marketing and Sales: Outline your strategy for attracting and retaining customers.
- Competition: Identify your competitors and explain how your product or service is different and better.
- Management Team: Highlight the experience and skills of your key team members.
- Financial Projections and Key Metrics: Provide a three-year forecast of your profit and loss, cash flow, and key metrics.
- Status and Timeline: Give an update on where the company currently stands and a timeline for future development.
Following this format ensures that you cover all the key areas that potential investors want to know about. The 10/20/30 rule also suggests that your presentation should last no more than 20 minutes and use a font size of no less than 30 points. This helps to keep your presentation concise and easy to read, even for those in the back of the room.
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