Not long ago, one of our clients, a startup founder, asked, "Why does my pitch deck feel like it's not grabbing attention? I've got a great idea, great team, and the numbers are solid, but something’s off."
They were frustrated, wondering if it was the story they were telling or perhaps just a design issue.
Here’s the thing: in accelerator and incubator pitch decks, it’s never just one of those elements. It’s a combination of powerful storytelling and sharp design that aligns perfectly with what accelerators and incubators are looking for.
As a presentation design agency, we know firsthand that when a pitch deck misses the mark, it's not about the idea – it’s about how that idea is presented. So, in this blog, we’ll break down what makes a pitch deck stand out, with a focus on both storytelling and design. We’ve worked with enough entrepreneurs to know what works, and more importantly, what doesn’t.
Want to see our past presentation design projects? Browse case studies here.
How to Make an Accelerator/Incubator Pitch Deck
The Pitfall Most Founders Fall Into: Focusing Too Much on the Idea
First off, let’s get something clear – accelerators and incubators don’t care as much about your idea as you think they do. Yes, the idea needs to be solid, but they’re not here to listen to your elevator pitch about how your product will change the world. They’re looking for how well you understand the problem, the market, your unique solution, and the ability to scale. If your pitch deck isn’t designed to emphasize that, you’re wasting their time.
The Story You’re Telling
Too often, entrepreneurs get wrapped up in the technicalities of their business – the product features, the numbers, the market opportunities. They forget that the first thing any investor or accelerator program looks for is the story behind the numbers. That’s right: investors want to see the narrative unfold from the very first slide.
You need to tell them a story that gets them invested emotionally. Every great pitch deck follows a tried and true formula for storytelling – a clear introduction, a well-defined problem, your solution, and then a vision for the future. But this isn’t just about filling out a template. It’s about crafting a story that feels real, that resonates, and that shows why you care. Don’t just tell them about the numbers; show them how your startup fits into the broader context of the world.
The Story Structure You Can’t Ignore
Start with the Problem: The problem is the hook. Without a compelling problem, there’s no story to tell. If you start with your solution first, you’ll lose your audience immediately. Why? Because no one cares about your product if they don’t first understand why it’s needed. Don’t just state the problem; build it up. Paint a picture that makes them feel the weight of the issue. Your goal is to make them think, "Wow, this needs to be solved."
Your Solution: Now, this is where most pitch decks falter. They either get too technical or don’t emphasize what makes their solution unique. Investors don’t want a sales pitch – they want to see why your solution is the best one to solve the problem you just laid out. Explain it clearly, but make sure to demonstrate why your solution is the one they’ve been waiting for. This is where you establish your edge, your differentiator.
Traction & Validation: Investors don’t just care about your idea. They care about your ability to execute. This is where numbers come in, but they should be tied to real-world progress. Whether it's customer feedback, early revenue, or pilot tests, show that you’ve already validated your solution. This doesn’t just say "we're good at what we do" – it says, "we’ve already proven it."
Your Vision for the Future: Don’t stop at the present. Where do you see your startup in 3, 5, or 10 years? What’s the big picture? This is where your passion needs to shine. Don’t be afraid to paint a bold picture. Accelerators and incubators are looking for startups that can scale and have long-term potential. Make them believe that your idea is worth betting on.
The Design Element: Make It Professional, Not Overwhelming
Now, let’s talk about design. This is where things get really tricky, because you need to strike a balance. Too much design can make it look like you’re more focused on aesthetics than the substance, while too little design can make it look like you didn’t put in any effort. Your pitch deck’s design should reflect the quality and professionalism of your startup.
Minimalism is Key
Here’s where we differ from a lot of design advice out there. A lot of entrepreneurs think they need flashy graphics, loads of colors, or complex animations to impress investors. The truth? Simplicity always wins. Your design needs to be clean, clear, and professional. Investors are reading hundreds of decks. The last thing they want to do is sift through a cluttered presentation. Use simple colors that align with your brand, consistent fonts, and a structured layout. Less is more – this isn’t the time for creative chaos.
The Power of Consistency
The design of your pitch deck should be cohesive. The fonts should complement each other, the icons should be uniform, and there should be a logical flow from one slide to the next. Investors need to focus on your content, not decipher your design. We’ve seen countless decks where the inconsistent design took away from the message, making it harder to follow the story. Each slide should build on the last, and every element on the slide should serve a clear purpose. Don’t add fancy elements just for the sake of it – make everything count.
Data Visualization: Make It Digestible
One of the most critical parts of any pitch deck is data. But here’s the catch: numbers don’t sell themselves. If you throw a wall of text or tables of numbers at your audience, they’re going to glaze over. You need to take those numbers and present them in a visually compelling way. Use infographics, charts, and graphs to make the data digestible. But be careful – don’t overcomplicate it. Keep it simple and easy to understand at a glance. You’re trying to show, not just tell.
Don’t Forget About Your Team
Accelerators and incubators are backing more than just your product – they’re backing you and your team. Your team slide should tell the story of who you are and why you’re the right people to solve the problem. Don’t just list names and titles. Tell them why your team is unique and how your collective experiences give you the edge. Highlight any key achievements that show you’re capable of executing at the highest level.
Pitch Decks Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
One thing you should absolutely not do is create a generic pitch deck. An accelerator or incubator is looking for specific qualities in the startups they choose. Customize your pitch to address the pain points of the program you’re applying to. Do some research on what each accelerator values most. If they’re focused on sustainability, for example, make sure to emphasize how your startup aligns with that mission. Tailoring your pitch deck will demonstrate that you understand the program and have put in the work to customize your presentation to their needs.
Why Hire Us to Build your Presentation?
If you're reading this, you're probably working on a presentation right now. You could do it all yourself. But the reality is - that’s not going to give you the high-impact presentation you need. It’s a lot of guesswork, a lot of trial and error. And at the end of the day, you’ll be left with a presentation that’s “good enough,” not one that gets results. On the other hand, we’ve spent years crafting thousands of presentations, mastering both storytelling and design. Let us handle this for you, so you can focus on what you do best.
How To Get Started?
If you want to hire us for your presentation design project, the process is extremely easy.
Just click on the "Start a Project" button on our website, calculate the price, make payment, and we'll take it from there.
We look forward to working with you!