When presenting to VCs, the most effective storytelling approach is “tell me what you’re going to tell me”; then you back up those assertions with detail and data. Less effective is the slow, suspenseful build-up. E.g., “before I give you any background on the company, any...1/6
...sense for the raise we’re pursuing, or any indication of where we’re taking our programs, I have to show you lots & lots of science slides”. I think co’s choose this more dramatic approach sometimes because 1) they feel that just presenting the investment thesis + raise...2/6
...details upfront cheapens or overly simplifies the story; 2) they assume investors won’t get the story without the slides and voiceover; or 3) they are insecure about leading with the conclusions and financing context. But think of your pitch like a sightseeing tour. Most...3/6
...people prefer to know what city they’re in and where the tour is going to take them before it starts. If they don’t have this info they’re likely to interrupt the tour guide to ask; stop paying attention to figure out where they’re headed (flipping ahead in the deck); or...4/6
...even lose interest and wander off to do their own thing (even more risk of this with Zoom calls than in-person). Recall is also higher if you can crystallize your thesis at the beginning, flesh it out with data / detail, and then repeat it at the end. So take the less...5/6
...dramatic, but more constructive approach, and you’ll keep the audience with you more often – and improve the likelihood of leaving the investor with a strong and enduring impression. 6/6