Sigh. Another Pitch Deck Blunder? Top Mistakes SaaS Newbies Make!
2023-10-10
Well, hello there, brave SaaS entrepreneur! Ready to charm those investors with your pitch deck? Or, are you secretly setting a trap to watch them cringe? We're hoping it's the former, but just in case, we've prepared a list of top pitch deck mistakes we often see from pre-seed, bootstrapped tech SaaS ventures. Let's make sure you're not on this "Oops, I did it again!" list.
1. The War & Peace Novel Approach:
Listen, Tolstoy. Your pitch deck isn’t the place for an epic novel. Investors are busy people. They probably wouldn't even read War & Peace in its entirety. So, why should they spend an eternity on your deck? Keep it concise and punchy.
2. Skipping the Problem Statement:
So you've developed a revolutionary, never-seen-before tool that...does what exactly? Your audience needs to know what problem you're solving. Make it obvious and relatable.
3. Assuming Everyone Speaks "Tech-ese":
Your ultra-sophisticated, jargon-laden pitch might impress a room full of developers, but remember – not every investor is tech-savvy. Break down your business model and tech aspects into plain English.
4. Over-Promising and Under-Delivering:
“By 2024, we aim to be the next unicorn with a trillion users!" Cute. But let's get real. Base your projections on real data and research, not the coffee you spilled on a napkin that kind of looked like a growth curve.
5. The 'Feature Fest':
Sure, your SaaS platform has 101 features. But do investors care about each and every one of them? Focus on the primary features that highlight your USP. Leave the extras for a demo.
6. Forgetting the C-Word:
No, not that! We're talking about "Competition". Pretending like you're the only player in the field doesn't make you look confident. It makes you look naive.
7. The Cringeworthy Design:
Clip-art graphics? Rainbow gradients? Comic Sans? Unless you're pitching a time machine that goes back to the 90s, let's make sure your design is modern and sleek.
8. Neglecting the Money Talk:
Remember, investors are not just there for your charming personality. They want to know about the financials. Burn rate, revenue model, projections – serve them the meaty details.
9. Missing the "Why You?":
Out of all the brilliant minds in the world, why should they bet on you? Highlight your team's expertise, experience, and unique qualities that make you the perfect squad to execute this vision.
10. Not Seeking Feedback First:
Before you present to the big sharks, get feedback. Maybe from a friendly dolphin or a kind sea turtle? Their insights might save you from making a whale of a mistake in front of potential investors.
In Conclusion:
Crafting a pitch deck for your pre-seed, bootstrapped SaaS business is an art and a science. Keep it simple, relatable, and authentic. And remember – it's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Avoid these mistakes, throw in a dash of charm, and who knows, you might just be the next SaaS sensation. Break a leg! (Not literally, though. Health insurance is expensive.) 😉🚀
