1.      Begin with a Compelling Introduction

• Get investors excited
• Include your strongest points to demonstrate credibility
• Make sure they understand what you do

2.      Address Key Issues in a Clear and Convincing Way

• The BIG problem your product will solve
• What is unique about your product or service
• Why your team is the most qualified to do this
• How you will sell (or get to market)
• Why you are better than the competition
• How you will make the investors a bunch of money

3.      Checklist of Critical Areas to Address

• The problem
• Product or service
• Marketing and sales
• Competition
• Milestones
• Management team
• Financials/projections

4.      Order – It Depends

• Move strongest areas to front
• Don’t leave your strengths until the end

5.      Sales, Sales, Sales

• Tell investors how you will sell (or commercialize your technology)
• Industry contacts
• Channels
• Strategic partners
• Sales contracts
• Letters of interest from potential customers
• Beta customers
• Pipeline/negotiations in progress

6.      Know Your Competition

• Weaknesses
• Why you are better
• There is always competition
• Indirect, potential, substitute or alternatives

7.      Management Team

• Demonstrate technical and business know-how
• Show how past credentials support current business
• Advisory Board – Use for credibility

8.      Milestones Demonstrate Your Accomplishments

• Accomplishments to date
• Future milestones

9.      Financials/Projections

• Use defensible assumptions and keep it simple
• Example: Revenue projections must be based on realistic sales assumptions

10.  Mistakes to Avoid

• Too much time on technology
• Not enough time on benefits and problem to be solved
• Confusing graphs and charts
• Too much information on the slide
• Do not read the slides

Remember – The investors are NOT buying your product, but rather investing in a financial opportunity. They need to know how they will make money. Good luck!