For Founders, Startup CEOs & First-Time Fundraisers
At Pitch Hero, we know the pitch deck is so much more than just a pretty PowerPoint. It’s your startup’s first impression, first hook, and sometimes your only shot at grabbing investor interest.
Whether you’re gearing up for your first seed round or refining your story, this FAQ-style guide tackles what founders need to know about pitch deck design — with insights from our in-house pitch specialists and coaches.
1. Why is it called a pitch deck?
Simple: you’re making a “pitch” (a compelling business case) using a “deck” (a slide presentation). Together, they form your narrative — your startup’s elevator pitch, investor teaser, and visual story all wrapped into one.
Typically, a pitch deck runs between 10–20 slides and covers:
What your startup does
Why the problem matters
Your traction, solution, and go-to-market
The ask (funding, partnerships, support)
It’s not just for raising cash — it’s also your toolkit to build connections and get into investor meetings in the first place.
2. Where can I find pitch deck examples?
Here are a few places we recommend for quality inspiration — and where to be cautious too:
Google “pitch deck examples” – A solid start. Look out for case studies from Airbnb, Monzo, or Revolut.
LinkedIn & SlideShare – Some founders share their winning decks post-fundraise.
Pitch Hero’s Resource Hub – Our own curated deck breakdowns and teardown guides (Ask me and I will share with you!).
Templates from PowerPoint, Canva, Google Slides – Good for structure, but they lack the punch of custom design.
Avoid generic marketplaces – They often use dated design and miss the nuance of investor expectations.
If you want pitch decks that actually get funded, bespoke is better. That’s where we come in. Join in for a chat anytime.
3. What makes a good pitch deck?
Great pitch decks have clarity, energy, and purpose. Here’s our Pitch Hero cheat sheet:
✅ Start with a hook
Ask a bold question. Lead with a market gap. Don’t bury the lead.
✅ Design matters
Think clean, modern, and investor-friendly. Big fonts. Smart visuals. Minimal jargon.
✅ Keep it short
Stick to what matters most. Investors don’t want your life story — they want the big picture, not too much detail.
✅ Tell a story
Slide-by-slide, your deck should take the viewer on a journey:
Problem → Solution → Market → Traction → Why you → The Ask.
✅ Make it UK-relevant
Include regulatory context, UK/US/Asian market stats, or traction with UK/US/Asia-based users/investors when pitching locally.
4. How do I design a pitch deck that stands out?
Design isn’t just decoration — it’s strategy. Your slides must look professional, feel polished, and attention.
Here’s how we make UK startup decks pop:
📌 Minimalist, high-impact design – One idea per slide. No clutter.
📌 Branded visuals – Keep colours, fonts, and tone on-brand and investor-appropriate.
📌 Smart storytelling – Slides flow logically, building toward a strong “ask.”
📌 Visual aids – Replace bulky text with icons, charts, or explainer visuals.
📌 Mobile-ready – Your deck should work beautifully on both laptops and investor phones.
5. Can I be trained to pitch confidently?
Absolutely. Even the most brilliant founder can stumble without practice.
At Pitch Hero, our coaching programme is built around The Hero Method™ — a battle-tested approach that turns nervous founders into confident communicators. We’ve coached CEOs from fintech, foodtech and retail across the UK — and helped them secure millions in funding.
You’ll learn:
How to own the room or Video Call
Understand what investors really want to hear
Feel confident to handle tough questions
Know how to pitch in 3, 5 or 10 minutes — professionally, naturally and easily
“We never thought our deck and delivery could change so much. Pitch Hero made us investor-ready in two weeks flat.” – Samir, HealthTech Founder (London)
Our Pitch Deck Services: Design + Coaching
We offer tailored packages to support every stage of your fundraising journey:
🎯 Pitch Deck Design – Custom-built decks that reflect your startup’s identity, story, and sector.
🎯 1:1 Coaching – Personalised sessions to sharpen your delivery and prep for real investor conversations.
🎯 Investor-Ready Reviews – Get expert feedback on your existing deck before sending it out.
Ready to elevate your pitch?
📩 Drop us a line to schedule a free discovery call.
💡 Or explore our Pitch Deck Packages with a call
📥 Download our free 3-Minute Pitch Deck Template
Pitch Hero: Helping founders win the room — one slide at a time.
Let’s build a pitch deck that doesn’t just inform — it convinces.
