How to Build an MVP Pitch Deck [Convince & Convert]
- Ink Narrates | The Presentation Design Agency
- Jan 5
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Our client, Mathieu, asked us a question while we were working on their MVP pitch deck:
"If we don’t have traction yet, how do we prove we’re worth investing in?"
Our Creative Director answered, “Investors don’t buy your product, they buy your vision. If you can sell it right.”
As a presentation design agency, we work on many MVP pitch decks throughout the year, and we’ve observed a common challenge with them—founders either over-explain their idea or fail to make investors care. Too much data with no clear story makes the pitch forgettable, while too much passion with no solid business case makes it look risky.
So, in this blog, we’ll cover how to build an MVP pitch deck that convinces investors and converts interest into funding.
In case you didn't know, we specialize in only one thing: making presentations. We can help you by designing your slides and writing your content too.
Why Founders Feel an MVP Pitch Deck Is a Nightmare
We’ve had countless conversations just like the one we shared earlier. Founders often admit, “We don’t know where to start when we have nothing concrete to show.” That uncertainty quickly spirals into frustration as they find themselves staring at a blank screen, unsure of the next step.
It’s not uncommon to see co-founders gather around, brainstorming for hours, only to end up with two or three disjointed slides. The story gets muddled, the focus drifts, and the momentum stalls.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve been in this situation, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay there. This blog is here to guide you, step by step, on how to build a pitch deck that conveys your vision, even when all you have is the spark of an idea. Let’s get started and tackle this together.
How to Create an MVP Pitch Deck: Writing and Design Guide
At this stage, the deck isn’t about showcasing achievements—it’s about painting a compelling vision of potential. A well-crafted MVP pitch deck should communicate not just what your startup is today but what it has the potential to become. Investors at this stage are not looking for an exhaustive track record; they want to see a clear and convincing narrative about the problem you’re solving, why your solution matters, and how it can scale. This guide will walk you through two crucial aspects of creating an MVP pitch deck: writing the content and designing the slides. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing draft, these steps will help you create a presentation that resonates with investors.
Writing the Content
Gather All Available Information
Before you start crafting your pitch deck, gather every relevant piece of information about your startup. At the MVP stage, investors are primarily interested in your unique selling propositions (USPs) and the potential of your idea. The key areas to focus on include the problem your solution addresses, insights from your research, any preliminary numbers or projections, and the market gap your product aims to fill. While you may not have extensive data, the goal is to present a compelling vision backed by whatever insights you do have. Focus on showcasing the opportunity ahead and the reasoning behind your approach.
Structure the Narrative
Once you have collected your information, step back and think about how to organize it into a compelling story. A well-structured narrative ensures clarity and persuasiveness, making your pitch more memorable. Several proven storytelling frameworks can help shape your deck. The problem-solution framework presents the issue first, explains its significance, and positions your startup as the solution. The hero’s journey positions your startup as a protagonist overcoming a significant challenge, which makes for a more engaging and emotional pitch. The three-act structure introduces the challenge, explores the solution in depth, and concludes with the potential impact. Choosing a structure that aligns with your startup’s strengths and the expectations of investors will make your pitch more effective.
Write with Business Storytelling in Mind
A successful pitch deck strikes a balance between storytelling and hard business insights. Clarity and relevance should always take precedence over style or excessive creativity. Avoid language that is too casual or witty, as it may not resonate with decision-makers who are looking for substance over entertainment. Instead, highlight your market opportunity, product roadmap, and scalability in a way that connects logically and emotionally with investors. Make sure to clearly communicate why your idea is necessary and how it will succeed. If you struggle with this balance, consider working with a copywriter experienced in startup storytelling.
Get Feedback
No matter how refined your pitch deck feels, external feedback is essential for ensuring clarity and impact. Share your draft with mentors, advisors, or investors who can provide objective insights. A fresh perspective can highlight areas where the messaging might be unclear or where additional emphasis is needed. If you need expert input, our agency specializes in crafting high-impact pitch decks by seamlessly integrating content and design.
Finalize the Copy
Once feedback has been incorporated, polish the content to ensure every word adds value. A pitch deck should be concise and focused—eliminate redundancy and ensure that each slide contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative. The final version should be structured, investor-ready, and compelling. With the content refined, the next step is designing a visually effective deck.
Designing the Deck
Define a Brand Identity
At the MVP stage, you may not have a fully developed brand identity, but visual consistency is still important. A cohesive look will make your deck appear more professional and credible. Establishing a basic color palette that aligns with your industry can create an immediate impression. For example, fintech startups often use blues and greys to convey trust and stability, while healthcare startups might opt for greens and whites to reflect wellness and safety. Even simple branding elements like consistent typography and colors can make your presentation feel polished and intentional.
Prioritize Slide Design
If you are designing the deck yourself, simplicity should be your guiding principle. Investors prefer clear, easy-to-read slides over complex visuals or overloaded content. Use minimal text, focusing on key points, and let your speaking complement the slides rather than repeating everything in written form. Important data points should be highlighted with bold fonts or accent colors to draw attention, and whitespace should be used strategically to improve readability. The goal is to ensure that investors grasp the key takeaways quickly without being distracted by excessive visual elements.
Match Design to Message
Your slide design should reinforce your message rather than compete with it. The way information is visually presented can influence how easily investors understand and retain it. For example, if you are showcasing market potential, a clean, well-designed graph will be far more effective than a block of text filled with numbers. If you are explaining your product, a simple mockup or diagram can make abstract concepts more tangible. The key is to make the information digestible and engaging without overwhelming your audience with unnecessary details.
Use Icons and Illustrations
Visual elements like icons and illustrations can enhance your deck by making complex ideas easier to understand. Icons are particularly effective for summarizing information quickly, such as representing different features of your product or illustrating key steps in a process. Illustrations can be useful for depicting user scenarios or market dynamics in a way that is more engaging than plain text. There are plenty of free resources, such as IconFinder and unDraw, that provide high-quality visuals to complement your slides. When used appropriately, these elements can make your pitch deck feel more dynamic and professional.
A well-executed MVP pitch deck is a combination of strong storytelling and strategic design. By structuring your content effectively and designing slides that enhance your message, you can create a pitch that captures investor interest and communicates your startup’s potential with clarity and confidence. If you need expert guidance in crafting a compelling pitch deck, our agency is here to help. Reach out for a consultation and take your presentation to the next level.
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!