A Misunderstood Pitch Deck

An encounter that highlighted the importance of clear messaging.

I wanted to share an intriguing encounter I recently had with a business founder, Simon (created alias to protect him), and his company, to be known as Company from here onwards. It revolved around a pitch deck presentation that took an unexpected turn due to a misunderstanding. The incident shed light on the challenges and importance of clear communication in the business world. Allow me to provide you with a brief account of this fascinating experience.

I came to know about the pitch deck through a referral from a trusted business connection. Intrigued by the opportunity, I attended the presentation, eager to learn more about Company's new product line. However, my initial impression of the pitch deck left me perplexed.

The pitch deck appeared to be focused on introducing a new business rather than presenting a product expansion. It was highly descriptive of the solution but lacked emphasis on the problem, the market opportunity, and the potential return on investment. What struck me the most was that there was no mention of Company's existing revenue-generating products or their success.

Curiosity piqued, I sought clarity from Simon, the founder of Company. To my surprise, he revealed that the pitch deck was prepared under the guidance of another advisor, whom he had paid to develop the presentation, in hopes of secure funding for his idea. It became evident that the advisor had misguided Simon, leading to the misunderstanding.

This revelation left me with mixed emotions. On one hand, I empathised with Simon’s disappointment and frustration at being blindsided by the advisory firm. On the other hand, I couldn't help but question the viability of the new product line without considering Company's existing market presence and revenue streams.

Throughout the encounter, I realised the importance of clear communication in business. The pitch deck's misrepresentation highlighted how crucial it is to convey the right information accurately. In today's fast-paced and competitive environment, investors and stakeholders rely heavily on clear and concise messages that effectively communicate the value proposition, market potential, and financial viability of a business.

In response to the misunderstanding, I offered my assistance to Simon. Understanding the need to align the pitch deck with the reality of Company as an established revenue-making company, I proposed revamping the content. By emphasizing the market gap that Company had successfully addressed with its newly launched solutions and showcasing the traction they had already gained, the pitch deck could be transformed into a compelling business opportunity.

This experience served as a reminder of the challenges faced by startups and the critical role that clear communication plays in their success. It also shed light on the importance of seeking reliable and reputable advisors who genuinely have the best interests of the business at heart, rather than those solely motivated by financial gain.

In conclusion, the encounter with Simon and Company's misunderstood pitch deck was an eye-opening experience. It reinforced the significance of effective communication, both in pitch presentations and in the broader business landscape. By learning from such experiences, we can strive to create a more transparent and collaborative environment for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Wishing you all clear and impactful communication in your business endeavours.