Answer
For a pre-seed deck, aim for 10-12 slides, with a maximum of 16 [1, 2, 7]. Each slide should be concise, with a 30-point font to prevent too much text [1]. Investors spend less than three minutes reviewing a deck, so each slide needs to communicate its core idea instantly [3, 7].
Here's a slide-by-slide breakdown:
1. **Cover Slide:** Your company name, logo, a one-liner, and contact information [2, 5].
2. **Problem:** Clearly define the "hair-on-fire" issue you are solving [2, 5].
3. **Solution:** Briefly explain your unique cure to the problem [2, 5].
4. **Product:** Show how your product works, using high-quality visuals or screenshots [2, 5].
5. **Market Size:** Quantify the opportunity (TAM, SAM, SOM) with data [2, 3, 5].
6. **Traction:** Provide proof of your progress and growth [2, 5].
7. **Business Model:** Explain how your company makes money [2].
8. **Team:** Highlight why your team is the right one to execute this vision [2].
9. **Competition:** Demonstrate your understanding of the landscape and your competitive edge [2, 6].
10. **Financial Projections:** Your vision for the future of the company [2].
11. **The Ask:** Clearly state what you are raising and how you will use the funds, tying it to concrete milestones [2, 6, 8].
12. **Vision/Exit Strategy:** The big picture and potential investor return [2].
