Most entrepreneurs know that the path towards startup success starts with a winning startup pitch deck. In short, the startup pitch deck helps investors to find worthwhile and high-value investment opportunities. And without the funds in place needed to accelerate early-stage startup growth, founders simply can't make top-tier hires, develop rapid prototypes, and more.
In fact, a compelling startup pitch deck helped one startup secure a $66 million funding round. In this example, the startup pitch deck hit the heart of what investors were looking for — a startup with a ton of potential and an opportunity to make a considerable return on investment.
So how can you achieve similar results for your business?
5 Amazing Startup Pitch Deck Examples Worth Checking Out
In this article, we'll share the top five pitch deck examples you can steal ideas from. Modeling your approach after these top-tier startup pitch decks doesn't necessarily guarantee startup fundraising success, but it will certainly point you in the right direction. Don't miss these amazing startup pitch deck examples.
1. Airbnb
Airbnb's pitch deck is one of the most searched pitch deck references on the internet. Why? Airbnb is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and this startup pitch deck was their startup's first step towards stardom. Ultimately, Airbnb's pitch deck, right from the start, explains the problem (expensive hotels) and potential solution (low-cost apartment or room rentals from local hosts).
Key Takeaway: Make sure that your startup pitch deck highlights a specific problem and show how your startup is poised to solve that problem. Ideally, the problem is widespread and especially painful.
Related: How to Create a Compelling Investor Pitch Deck
2. Buffer
Buffer is a social media management tool used by the world's largest businesses and organizations. In 2011, Buffer was accepted into AngelPad's startup accelerator program. There, the company raised an initial investment of $120,000. In general, the company has taken the approach of being profitable and having decent revenue at the time of raising funds. The real value of their startup pitch deck is in the number of partnerships and integrations that the company had prior to investment.
Key Takeaway: Make sure that your startup pitch deck highlights key partnerships or any other signs of early traction. This signals to startup investors that your business has already caught the eye of other businesses and organization.
Related: 8 Components of a Winning Startup Pitch Deck
3. LinkedIn
LinkedIn pitched for a Series B in August 2004. During this time, social media was on the rise — Friendster was at its height, MySpace just raised a premium round from Benchmark and Kleiner, and Facebook was in its infancy. In the pitch deck, LinkedIn did a great job at addressing investors' objections. LinkedIn knew that it was one of many new and exciting social media tools. However, LinkedIn explained how it differs from the competition, how it would amass millions of users, and what investors could stand to gain if they jumped onboard right now.
Key Takeaway: Look for opportunities to showcase your startup's unique value. Don't be afraid to talk about the competition either. Instead, highlight the competition and show how your startup is better.
Related: 6 Red Flags Investors Watch For in Startup Pitches
4. YouTube
YouTube is the largest video sharing website in the world. Founded in 2005 by former PayPal employees Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim, it was bought by Google just one year later. YouTube's no-frills approach to its startup pitch deck showed investors that they meant business. In fact, within the first few slides, YouTube promised to become "the primary outlet of user-generated content on the internet, and to allow anyone to upload, share, and browse this content."
Key Takeaway: Try to make a stand in your startup pitch. What will your startup become and what are the exact steps you'll take to get there?
Related: How to Pitch a VC: The 5-Step Process
5. Uber
Over a year ago, on the ninth anniversary of the founding of Uber, its co-founder Garrett Camp shared the company's initial pitch deck via Medium. Since then, Uber has become the largest ride-sharing service. Their pitch deck does a great job of explaining exactly how the service works. Let's face it — at the time, jumping into another person's car felt a little odd, right? Uber explained how their service was fast and efficient, affordable, and super easy to use.
Key Takeaway: In your pitch deck, make it easy for investors to get behind you and your vision. Show how your product/service works in laymen's terms.
Related: 5 Questions to Prep Before Pitching an Investor
Maximize Your Startup Fundraising Efforts at RocketSpace
The savviest startup founders know that there's a simple and easy way to bolster the effectiveness of their pitch decks — RocketSpace Startup Services. This program is designed to help startups achieve smarter and faster funding through a structured and streamlined process, access to strategically aligned investors, and more. RocketSpace leverages extensive investor relationships to expedite the fundraising process. In fact, RocketSpace aims to get your startup funded within three months!
To join this exclusive program, applicants must:
- Have a product in-market gaining traction or be revenue generating
- Have already completed a seed round
- Have a strong founding team
- Be on a growth journey
RocketSpace Startup Services is the premier program for top-tier startups seeking fast and smart capital. RocketSpace has worked with industry-leading businesses and organizations including Uber, HootSuite, and more. Is your startup next?
