“We’re a fintech startup at the earliest stage possible—the MVP stage. We don’t even have a logo yet. All we’ve got is an idea, some research, and a handful of numbers. But every time we try to build our investor pitch deck, it’s like staring at a blank page.” This was how one of the co-founders described their frustration when they reached out to us.
Wanting to dig deeper, our Creative Director asked, “Alright, what do you think is holding you back the most?”
The co-founder responded, “It’s not just about the MVP pitch deck itself—it’s the fact that we feel underconfident creating a deck when we have so little to show.” That’s when our Creative Director stepped in with a perspective that immediately reframed the challenge: “When you don’t have traction or tangible results yet, the key is to build a story that centres on your potential. That’s what investors need to see.”
As a presentation design agency, this conversation inspired us to write this blog. In this blog, we’ll explore the common hurdles founders face at this stage and share practical, actionable strategies to create a meaningful deck.
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. This guide will walk you through two critical aspects of creating an MVP pitch deck: writing the content and designing the slides. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining a draft, these steps will help you craft a presentation that resonates with investors.
Writing the Content
1. Gather All Available Information
Start by collecting every piece of information you have. At the MVP stage, it’s all about your unique selling propositions (USPs) and the potential your idea holds. This could include:
Your solution to a specific problem
Insights from your research
Preliminary numbers or projections
The market gap your product aims to fill
At this stage, you’re selling a vision. Focus on the data and points that demonstrate the opportunity ahead.
2. Structure the Narrative
Once you have your information, set it aside and think about how to organize it into a compelling story. A well-structured narrative will not only wrap your information cohesively but also make it more persuasive. Some effective narrative frameworks to consider include:
Problem-Solution Framework: Start with a problem statement, explain why it matters, and present your solution as the game-changer.
Hero’s Journey: Position your startup as the hero embarking on a journey to solve a major issue.
Three-Act Structure: Introduce the challenge, delve into the solution, and end with the potential impact or future vision.
Choose a structure that aligns with your idea and audience. Investors respond to clarity, logic, and vision—your narrative should deliver all three.
3. Write with Business Storytelling in Mind
While writing, prioritize clarity and relevance over flair. A pitch deck for investors needs to balance engaging storytelling with hard-hitting business insights.
Avoid overly witty or casual language. While wit can grab attention, it often falls flat with decision-makers looking for substance.
Highlight the business potential. Showcase your market opportunity, product roadmap, and scalability.
Focus on the "why" and "how." Why is your idea needed, and how will it succeed?
If you’re unsure about the tone or content, consider hiring a copywriter with experience in startup storytelling.
4. Get Feedback
Feedback is critical for refining your content. Share your draft with a third party—someone outside your team who can provide an objective perspective. This could be a mentor, advisor, or even us!
At our agency, we specialize in developing pitch decks from scratch, combining content and design seamlessly. If you’d like expert input or assistance, feel free to reach out.
5. Finalize the Copy
Incorporate feedback, make necessary tweaks, and polish the content until it’s investor-ready. Every word should add value, so avoid clutter and redundancy. Once finalized, you’re ready to move to the design phase.
Designing the Deck
Designing an MVP pitch deck requires a strategic approach. Since you’re working with limited content, the design should amplify your message, not overshadow it. Here are some key steps:
1. Define a Brand Identity
At the MVP stage, you may not have a fully developed brand identity, but consistency is still crucial. Create a basic color palette that reflects your industry and business model. For example:
A fintech startup might opt for blues and greys to convey trust and stability.
A healthcare startup could use greens and whites for a sense of wellness and safety.
This preliminary branding will ensure your deck feels cohesive and professional.
2. Prioritize Slide Design
If you’re designing the deck yourself, simplicity is key. Focus on clean typography and the clarity of your message rather than complex visuals. Here are some tips:
Use minimal text on slides. Stick to key points and let your speaking do the rest.
Highlight important data with bold fonts or accent colors to draw attention.
Avoid overcrowding slides; whitespace is your friend.
3. Match Design to Message
Ensure that the visual design supports your narrative rather than competing with it. For instance:
A slide about your market opportunity might benefit from a clean chart or graph.
A slide detailing your product could include a simple mockup or diagram.
The design should elevate your message, making it easier for investors to grasp key points quickly.
4. Use Icons and Illustrations
Enhance your slides with icons and illustrations that complement your message. These elements can make abstract ideas more concrete and engaging. For instance:
Use an icon to represent each step in a process.
Add illustrations to depict user scenarios or market dynamics.
Free resources like IconFinder or unDraw can help you find visuals that align with your theme.
Work with us
We understand that every MVP is unique, and so is every pitch deck. Whether it’s crafting a killer narrative, designing slides that wow, or ensuring your data tells a compelling story, we’re here to help.
Your MVP deserves more than cookie-cutter slides. It deserves a pitch deck that not only informs but inspires. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want to make sure your MVP pitch deck is as impactful as it can be, we’d love to help. Check out our presentation design agency’s services or schedule a consultation today. Let’s turn your MVP into a masterpiece.
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