Common pitch deck mistakes to avoid

The reality is that investors respond to only about 10% of pitch decks and invest in less than 1%. If you want your deck to be in that top 10% and secure funding even during tough economic times, you must present your business in the best light.

But don’t overcomplicate things. Even the famous Airbnb pitch deck was rejected initially. In the end, it’s about maximizing your chances.

Avoid these frequent mistakes:

1. Weak opening and inconsistent story

Much of our work involves making business stories clearer and more engaging. Often, this means improving vague introductions, fixing disconnected narratives, and emphasizing the core message.

Your story must:

• Capture investors’ attention immediately, or they’ll likely move on.
• Tell a clear, engaging, and coherent story.

Throwing random data and charts without a meaningful narrative won’t work. If your story feels fragmented or requires investors to piece it together, they’ll lose interest—even if the slides contain valuable info.

How to fix it:

Once your slides are done, read your presentation as a whole. Ask yourself:

• Is the opening attention-grabbing?
• Does the story flow logically?
• Is it memorable and emotionally engaging?

Try to see it from an investor’s perspective.

2. Too much information

Many founders overload their decks with technical details and product features, hiding what really matters.

Long, wordy presentations rarely get read and suggest poor focus and prioritization. Investors skim decks quickly—on average, just under four minutes per deck—and spend about 20 minutes listening to presentations.

How to fix it:

Stick to what investors care about:

• The problem or opportunity
• Your value proposition
• Traction so far
• Market size and potential
• Team expertise
• Strategy and vision
• Competition and market positioning
• Financial projections and funding needs

Follow the 10/20/30 rule for early rounds: 10 slides, 20-minute pitch, font size at least 30 points. More mature rounds can have longer decks.

3. No clear vision or strategy

Unlike old HR clichés, you need a clear one-liner about where your company will be in 5-10 years.

Investors want to know your long-term goal and how you’ll get there. Sadly, many startups don’t explain this well.

How to fix it:

Answer:

• How will your company stand out?
• What will your brand be known for?
• What growth do you expect?
• Will you lead a niche market?
• Which markets will you target?

For example: CrewApp — The world’s most trusted collaborative workspace.

Provide a high-level strategy with milestones and key growth drivers.

4. Not understanding your market and timing

VCs invest in markets, not just ideas or people. They want to see why your market is worth entering and why now.

Many decks skip this, leaving investors unconvinced.

How to fix it:

Research market size (TAM, SAM, SOM) using a bottom-up approach. Explain:

• Which macroeconomic trends you’re leveraging
• Why market conditions favor your business now

5. No proof of traction

Traction shows you can deliver results and fast-tracks investor interest.

Even if you think you have none, find ways to demonstrate progress:

• MVP built or in development
• Advisory board assembled
• Customers waiting or early feedback
• Partnerships or licenses acquired

Show any traction you have clearly.

6. Weak business model

Investors expect a clear plan for making money, even if profitability is far off.

Some startups rely too much on endless funding without a revenue plan or try to do too many things at once.

How to fix it:

• Focus on one or two revenue streams
• Outline pricing and who pays
• Show potential future revenue opportunities

7. Poor competitor analysis

Every startup has competitors. Not acknowledging them or focusing on irrelevant ones hurts your credibility.

Use the competitor slide to show you know the landscape and your competitive advantage, not just features.

8. Underestimating the team slide

Investors spend significant time on this slide. Don’t just list names—explain why your team is uniquely qualified and has “skin in the game.”

9. Vague funding request

Clearly state how much funding you need, why, and what milestones it will achieve. Avoid guessing or hiding numbers.