Branding and design have long been regarded as a critical part of any business. However, this notion doesn’t always filter through to startups seeking funding. For startup biotech businesses specifically, design can be the crucial element that stands out to potential investors. In this blog, we will look at why pitch deck design matters to investors.

What is a pitch deck?

A pitch deck is a concise presentation summarising a company – the vision, mission, problem being solved, market size, competition, team, business plan, financials, products or services, and growth potential. The deck in this context is aimed at potential biotech investors and should appeal to them. Importantly, a pitch deck must be engaging and answer any possible questions succinctly if it is to be successful in securing the next meeting.

Reasons why a pitch deck is important

First impressions count, especially for potential investors who are short on time. Efficiency is key here – a well structured and designed pitch deck creates a strong first impression, and also:

Instils trust

Reassure investors and managers that you know how to market your product. This can be demonstrated through a well executed pitch deck.

Bridges a problematic gap of knowledge

Pitchers know their product or technology inside out, but the investors rarely do. The deck communicates all the key pieces of information.

Nails differentiation

Pitching is highly competitive. Capturing the business’s point of differentiation in a short, crisp, and compact way will secure the second stage meeting.

Provides easy access to key information

Investors seldom take the time to read a 50-page business plan but want to read a pitch deck.

Why pitch deck design matters to investors

Design distils and provides clarity to all of the essential elements in a pitch deck. This allows for proper communication of the value proposition and market potential – decisive factors for potential venture capitalists (VC).

The problem that needs to be solved in pitch deck design is displaying key information in a digestible, engaging, and persuasive way that speaks to the visual language of the possible investors. The value and impact of an expertly designed deck speaks for itself:

‘The branding was useful in support of a round of corporate funding. Professional branding (and consistent use of) is really important for a biotech – we don’t have the established presence of a larger company so we need to forge that using consistent branding.’

Biotech Director of Sales & Ox Designers Client

Professional graphic designers who specialise in supporting biotech companies are well versed in designing VC-grade pitch decks that secure financial backing. First, they will start with the business visual identity as a pivotal part of exhibiting a cohesive and strong brand.

Next, the designer will look at the key pieces of information that need to be included in the deck and decide on more visual ways to display them, using graphics, charts, pictures, and other visuals to keep the audience engaged throughout the pitch. Afterall, visuals are processed 60,000 times faster in the brain than text.

Lastly, refining the deck to maximise interest and excitement creates slides that flow seamlessly and add a huge amount of confidence to both the presenters and potential investors.

If you work for a brand in Bioscience, Tech or Engineering and would like to have a no-obligation chat about your pitch deck, please get in touch.

Posted in Investment, Start-up, STEM brand