Note: for many more resources on preparing investor pitch material, see the Fundraising topic.
Key Questions
- Are pitch competitions worth the time? What are the pros and cons?
- Where can I find upcoming pitch competitions?
- How do I get selected to present at competitions?
- How should I prepare for a pitch competition?
- What are common mistakes to avoid during the pitch?
- How can I maximize my chances of winning?
Start Here
Mar Hershenson: The Secret to Successfully Pitching an Idea
(5 min video.) Mar emphasizes that the key to successfully pitching an idea is to create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) in your audience. She highlights the importance of understanding the audience’s motivations and tailoring the pitch to excite them, whether it’s market opportunities for venture capitalists or social impact for philanthropists. Mar outlines a pitch structure akin to a hero’s journey: begin with the current situation, identify the problem, present your solution, and conclude with a positive outcome. She advises addressing your biggest weakness directly, demonstrating transparency and building confidence to inspire your audience to join your journey.
Samantha Snabes: Pitching For Payroll: How We Bootstrapped $1,226,500 in Pitch Competitions
(9 min read.) Snabes recounts her experience winning $1,226,500 in pitch competitions, sharing strategies for success. Despite initial disruptions, her team consolidated operations, joined an enterprise accelerator, and launched new outposts. Snabes emphasizes the importance of having a plan for prize money, dressing appropriately, knowing the audience, and providing live product demos. She advises leaving behind memorable tokens, being energetic, and ensuring AV compatibility. Minimizing penalties includes not exceeding time limits, staying flexible, and hydrating. Snabes also suggests involving family and friends for people’s choice votes. Once victorious, she highlights supporting organizers, thanking the team, and fulfilling promises made during the pitch.
Learn More
Melanie Perkins: Raising Capital and Creating a Pitch Deck
(2 min video.) In this video Melanie provides valuable insights into strategies for raising capital and crafting an effective pitch. Melanie Perkins emphasizes the importance of a compelling story, clear problem-solution presentation, and market validation in attracting investors. Additionally, she highlights the significance of understanding investors’ perspectives and tailoring the pitch accordingly.
Marissa Limsiaco: Startup Pitch Wars: How I Won 5 Pitch Battles
(5 min read.) Limsiaco, in this article, shares her process for winning pitch competitions. Despite initial discomfort, she highlights the value of pitch competitions for exposure and feedback. Her seven-step process includes tailoring the pitch to the audience, crafting a detailed script for shorter pitches, using visuals over text in slides, practicing timing to sync speech and slides, rehearsing extensively for smooth delivery, using visualization techniques to reduce anxiety, and calming nerves with breathing exercises while embracing excitement. Limsiaco emphasizes preparation for potential questions, drawing from internal team challenges to craft intelligent responses.
Michael Skok: Introducing the “Elevator Question” for Entrepreneurs
(4 min read.) In this article, Michael suggests replacing the traditional “elevator pitch” with an “elevator question” to spark curiosity and engagement from potential partners or investors. Entrepreneurs often overload pitches with buzzwords, making them ineffective. Instead, Michael proposes asking compelling questions that lead recipients to request a more detailed explanation. He outlines structuring questions to introduce key pitch elements: the “why,” problem, solution, and team. This approach shifts the dynamic, creating a more interactive and engaging conversation. Entrepreneurs should practice these questions to refine their approach and increase their chances of success.
Roberto Bonanzinga: The Intimacy of Start-up Pitching
(5 min read.) Roberto, in this article, argues that startup pitching competitions have become overly prevalent, resulting in diminished interest from funders. He emphasizes that pitching should be a mutual discovery process, where founders and funders engage in meaningful, two-way conversations. Instead of relying on polished presentations, the focus should be on stimulating engagement, understanding each other’s motivations, and building a personal connection. Roberto advises both parties to do their homework beforehand and be selective about whom they engage with. Ultimately, pitching should be about discovering mutual fit, chemistry, and motivations, rather than simply increasing statistical chances of funding.