Time-tested tactics for building investor presentations

Over the past two years, I have designed presentations for a variety of companies at various stages of raising money.

Some of the lessons I have learned will be summarized in this article.

Don’t build one presentation, build three

There are stages to a story. Each stage needs to be matched with the appropriate content. Typically, this means a short introductory presentation for the meeting, followed by a reading presentation and a frontal presentation for the meeting.

There are some guidelines for writing a book on the differences between these presentations.

Reading presentation

It should be able to stand on its own without a speaker.

Fundraising is largely the result of trust and momentum.

Intro presentation

The reading presentation is short and to the point. It's purpose is to get you the first meeting so you don't have to learn much about the business.

Frontal presentation

A stripped down, minimal version of the reading presentation is meant to empower and keep the focus on the speaker. You have to bring your point home with you.

A presentation’s goal is not to get you an investment

An amazing presentation isn't enough to convince investors. A follow-up meeting with a sense of momentum and clarity about the company's story is the best result a presentation can give.