How to Seduce Your Investors: 9 Tips of Persuasion
Executing the perfect pitch isn’t easy, so, we’ve put together some tips to guide you, as well as a pitch deck template for you to adapt and tailor fit to your mission.
Pitch deck structure
Tip 1: Be concise
Highlight the problem and explain your solution - keep it simple.
Tip 2: Transparency
First and foremost, it's crucial to be transparent in your words and information. Investors want to know they can trust you, and that you are open and honest about your business and its potential impact. With this, it’s important to stay realistic with your projections, ambition and your ask.
Tip 3: Make it make sense
Your pitch should be structured in a way that makes sense and is easy to follow. Start with an introduction that captures attention, name your problem and then move into a demonstration of your solution and value proposition, followed by a clear explanation of your business and numbers, and end with a call-to-action or landing point.
Tip 4: Contextualise ESG
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors are becoming increasingly important to investors. Ensure to do your research as it's important to contextualise your social enterprise in terms of its ESG impact in investor terminology, but most importantly, make a point to present how your business aligns with the broader sustainability goals of who you are pitching to.
Check out ‘ESG is for Everyone’ for more information.
Tip 5: Create a shared meaning
Investors are not just assessing your idea; they are also evaluating you as a leader and your team's ability to execute your vision. Creating a shared meaning with your investors and showing your passion and commitment to your cause is essential, and allows a space for your investors to build emotional investment too. The key here is to know your audience and appeal to what they stand for.
Tip 6: Simple and captivating language and visuals
Your pitch should be short, sharp, and to the point, using language that is easy to understand and visuals that are compelling and memorable. Make sure your pitch stands out from the crowd and leaves a lasting impression.
Check out ‘Beyond Words’ for more details on the power of storytelling.
Tip 7: Remember YOU are the prize
As the Founder, investors are investing in you as much as your idea. Be yourself, let your personality shine, and show your passion for your cause. Remember, you are not just pitching a business; you are pitching a vision for a better world.
Tip 8: Practice x3
Practice, Practice, Practice: Finally, practice makes perfect. Make sure you rehearse your pitch multiple times, in front of different people, to refine your message and delivery. Be prepared to answer questions, handle objections, and adapt your pitch to different audiences.
Tip 9: Key questions to address in your pitch:
Who are you and why you care
What is the social or environmental problem?
What is your solution and why is it better than the rest?
What is the potential size of the impact?
How is your business going to be financially sustainable?
How are you going to scale?
Your call to action? e.g. funding or partnership
