I explore this question in my short, partly visual emails, crafted through my lens as a pitch designer in deep-tech. Join me for insights on effective communication, marketing, design, psychology, and the philosophy of value.
A future in a box
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If pitching feels like hard work, you’re probably trying to make investors agree with your solution. That’s not the optimal way to frame your pitch. Though we often ignore that fact - investors don’t evaluate your solution in isolation; they see many startups. That means that subconsciously, they’re constantly making comparisons. Here’s the thing Being selected is not the same as being agreed with. Imagine that, for the investor, each startup meeting is like opening a “future in a box.” There’s anticipation before the reveal, and most of the time it’s “meh,” a jumble of facts and vague promises. What should you put in your box? |
What makes people see value in a thing?
I explore this question in my short, partly visual emails, crafted through my lens as a pitch designer in deep-tech. Join me for insights on effective communication, marketing, design, psychology, and the philosophy of value.
Here's a thought experiment. You are a VC. About to start yet another meeting with a startup that reached out. It’s your third today - your seventh this week. After a couple of minutes of small talk, one of the founders connects their laptop and hits “Present.” You lean back in your chair, ready to listen. Now pause. What do you hope happens next? What could the founder say or do that will make you go: "Yes! This is the one. Not the team from the previous meeting. Not one of the other 22 I've...
If you’re scientifically minded, shouldn’t you question the entire premise of pitching? The idea that you are supposed to TALK people into investing in you. It’s not obvious to me that humans work that way. Don’t get me wrong, language is useful. It made us what we are as a species. But it’s also just noises you make with your mouth. It costs nothing and our subconscious knows it. Look at nature: A female wont "invest" in a mate unless he can present an impressive peacock tail or large set of...
Two ways to convey 'the problem' in a frontal presentation Option 1 Option 2 Option 2 FEELS better. (Hit 'reply' and tell me if you disagree) The question is why? What makes it a better communication? The graphics are fancier, but that's only the expression of deeper differences in approach.For example: 1. General vs Situation-Specific. Option 1 creates a reading experience, unadjusted for a frontal presentation.Option 2 gives the speaker room to talk by keeping text minimal, making it easier...