Venture Presentation Template - Be Concise, Specific, and Compelling

1. The Template Use this template to both prototype and talk about your venture. This is the general outline most investors are expecting to see so stray at your own risk. The minimum font is 30 pt for a reason: be concise. The purpose of this template is (1) force yourself to be specific about the many different aspects of a new venture and (2) quickly communicate your current plan to others. Avoid filling your slides with text – people won’t read it (or be able to). Keep it simple. If you can’t, you don’t yet know what you’re doing. Other tips: - A person should be able to get a snapshot from your slide in 5 seconds and then listen to you. - Use the heading of each slide to convey something real, e.g., what you want the person to conclude from the slide. Try to use images where possible to convey your message. • Slides • Title Slide • The idea (elevator pitch) • Problem, Solution & Value Proposition • The Market side • The Technology side • The Business side • Revenue Model • Financial Projections • The Team • Status, Milestones & Funding • Summary & Next Steps

2. [your company here] your contact information here

3. The idea Elevator pitch In approximately 50 words or less, describe what the company does, for whom, and why it’s important (i.e., valuable to that customer). You can also very briefly mention any significant accomplishments/milestones reached so far, e.g. have license to patent, proof of concept completed, prototype completed, tested with name brand customers, etc. This can attract interest for the remainder of the presentation.

4. Problem, Solution & Value Proposition The Problem & Solution Describe the customer and their problem (“pain”) in as clear and compelling language possible. Describe your solution in as clear and compelling language possible. Describe your value proposition: the costs and benefits of the solution to the customer (not the technical features) and how it provides value based on the problem you’ve identified.

5. Market • The market & sales • Describe who your intended customer is (as a particular market segment)and how you will get to them. • Who is the customer? • How big is this market (in terms of sales)? • How fast is it growing? • Describe how you will reach your intended market in terms of generating awareness, converting potential customers, and distributing your offerings. • Note: if you envision multiple customers/market segments, note them and which one you are pursuing first.

6. Competitive Landscape The competition Use this slide if you are going into a crowded market and need to understand how you will differentiate yourself from existing competitors. It is sometimes easier to depict the competitive landscape in terms of specific features that add substantial value compared to your competitors. This can be shown easily by careful consideration to the row and column headings in the illustrated table. List any direct competitors as well as competing alternatives (including the status quo). Do your research here. Who are they? What makes you different? What gives you an advantage?

7. Technology • The technology • Describe how your solution works (without revealing any enabling information and definitely in language a non-technical investor/advisor would understand). • What makes this solution effective, unique, and/or defensible from competitors? • Is it robust and scalable? • Is it difficult to duplicate? • Is there any IP protection?

8. Business: Revenue Models Revenue model Describe how your company will make money: Who will pay for the solution? Is the user different from the customer? How will they pay (per unit, subscription, transaction fee, advertising, etc...) How much will they pay per unit? Over the lifetime of the customer?

9. Business: Revenue Projections Revenue projections Provide a 3 – 5 year forecast of the key metrics of the business (revenue, net income, customers, headcount) and financial information with measurements of financial progress (revenue, gross profit and net profit). Focus on describing the 3 biggest drivers of revenue growth and the 3 biggest drivers of cost. A key value of this table is that it reflects how much money the company will need and how much it will make, and how other key metrics (like customers or employees) line up with the financials. Revenue should be in line with your vision. In other words, don’t tell investors it’s conservative. Put down what you believe. ** All $ are in 000

10. The Team The team On this page, describe your current (and planned) management team and advisors. Most importantly, describe how/why the founders are well-suited to making this venture successful. Be realistic: if you don’t have the right skills, note what you need and be ready to ask for help in identifying the right people to fill out the team. Advisory boards and outside directors are important to establish your credibility and connections; but only if they are committed to your success.

11. Status, Milestones, & Funding • Status, funding & milestones • Describe here where you are on the path towards launching your venture. • What have you done? • What do you plan on doing next? • How much will it cost (what funding will you need)? • Each milestone should be set, then reached, so that it is compelling enough to inspire the next round of money. Typical milestones might be: • Completing a prototype • Getting a first customer • Scaling Marketing/Distribution • Cash flow break even • You don’t need to cover every milestone, just the ones that will get you to the next round of funding (or to becoming self sufficient). • Proof of Concept – 6 months • SBIR Phase 1, $75K • Build Prototype – 12 months • SBIR Phase 2, $750K • Angel Round – 6 months, $500K • Get 2 Reference Beachhead Customers • $7.5MM needed to reach cash flow break even

12. Summary & Next Steps Summary & ask Summarize your venture and status, and be clear in what you are asking for from this audience. If you are pitching to investors, tell them again what funding you need now and whether it is for equity or a convertible note. If you are pitching to potential advisors or employees – be clear about what you’re asking of them. your contact information here