Types of Pitch Decks

Who is it for? And Why?

Depending on how you plan to present, you’ll want to design the deck to your end goal.  Here is an overview of common types of pitch decks and how they’re used.

The Stand Alone Deck

This will be reviewed without you there to narrate, and must tell the story on its own. If you are seriously seeking funding, when you reach out to connections for introductions, you will want to have this ready for when they hopefully say, “Email me the deck.”

The Presentation Deck

This is designed to enhance your pitch. If you are gearing up for a demo day or in-person meeting where you plan to stand and present with the deck behind you — you’ll want to prepare a version that is easier to consume. It is difficult to read while listening. This should be the visual backdrop to the story you are telling, and assist with evoking emotions through the pitch.

The Video Deck / Zoom Pitch

This is increasingly common method of pitching, thanks to the rise of virtual meetings. Traditionally, this was a presentation timed to a video of the pitch. Now, it’s as simple as recording the meeting on a platform like Zoom — you pitch while screen-sharing your presentation. The Video Deck offers the best of both — a standalone file and personal delivery.

Which type of Pitch Deck is right for you?

Is it a Stand Alone Deck, where your plan is to email it, or is it a Presentation Deck where you will be speaking beside it?  Will you be presenting to an audience?

If you’re unsure, we recommend working on it as though it will be a Stand Alone Deck. Then once you have a version you’re happy with, you can create a Presentation Deck by removing some of the content you plan to say, and adding more emphasis to the imagery.  It can be more impactful to go more graphic/image based in an in-person or video-assisted presentation, and help avoid your audience reading instead of listening.  For the purposes of getting your content in place, we’ll create it as though your deck will be read on its own.