Initial (VC) Meeting Pitch
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Contents |
Tips
Do's
Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure that your pitch gets off to a great start - sometimes it's all about the little details. More importantly, your attitude can make the biggest impression:
- Do put contact information (including email addresses and phone numbers) on the documents
- Do remember to use standard formats
- Do include visually represented information
- Do remember to ask for the money
- Be very, very nice to people, including the PAs
- Do practice your pitch beforehand
- Do coordinate with the PAs beforehand on visuals, audio etc.
- Do keep your presentation somewhat relaxed: go with the flow, answer any questions, etc.
Dont's
It can sometimes be the smallest thing that makes the different in the success of your pitch - like the things you didn't remember to do. Keep these don'ts in mind when preparing and delivering your pitch.
- Don't use smaller than 18 point font
- Don't have sloppy looking slides
- Don't talk to the slides instead of your audience
- Don't rely too much on structure during the presentation
- Don't lie (Instead, say 'I don't know, but I'll find out for you')
- Don't guess, unless asked to guess or estimate (Instead, say 'I don't know, but I'll find out for you')
- Don't get defensive, rude or pushy (be confident yet humble)
- Don't lose control of the conversation
- Don't forget to ask for the money or resource
- Don't forget to ask what you need to do to get the money, resource etc.
- Don't forget to set the next market
Notes
- It's NOT like Dragon's Den! However, as Dragon's Den has shown, preparation is crucial
- It's NOT a one time thing; rather, you are building a relationship
Be prepared:
- Always bring printed slide copies for everyone (in case the projector doesn't work)
- Always ask the potential investor if they want a projected slide presentation or rather go with printed handouts
- Practice the pitch and anticipate feedback and questions
- Good presenters are prepared for questions
- Dress up instead of down - It's always better to be slightly over dressed than under dressed
Further Reading
- Guy Kawasaki (Garage Technology Ventures): "Make a Great Pitch - The 10/20/30 Rule" in Stanford Entrepreneurial Thought Leader Speaker Series (video)
