Startup Founders: Don’t Build a Pitch Deck First

Startups are an exciting and dynamic part of the business world, but the process of starting one can be daunting, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs. The allure of creating a successful company from scratch can lead to the belief that the first step is to create a pitch deck and start pitching investors. However, according to startup consultant James Sinclair, this is a misconception.

In a video titled “The PitchDeck Is An Outcome For A StartUp Not An Objective,” Sinclair explains that a pitch deck should be the result of a significant amount of strategic planning and understanding of a business idea. He warns that without a product in the market, revenue, or customers, a first-time founder should not rush to create a pitch deck and start seeking investment.

Sinclair argues that building a pitch deck should not be the first objective of a startup. Instead, the focus should be on conducting market research and developing a clear understanding of the business idea. This includes identifying the target market, how to reach them, what they are willing to pay, and what their current options are. By doing this foundational work, entrepreneurs can ensure that they have a strong understanding of their business, which will help them create a more compelling pitch deck when the time comes.

Sinclair’s perspective is supported by the experiences of successful startup founders who emphasize the importance of a clear business plan and deep market research. For example, Mark Zuckerberg famously took months to develop the initial version of Facebook, which he then released to a limited audience to gather feedback and improve the product. Similarly, Steve Jobs spent years developing the first iPhone, carefully considering every aspect of its design and functionality before releasing it to the public.

In short, while a pitch deck is an essential tool for raising capital, it should not be the first objective of a startup. Instead, entrepreneurs should focus on conducting thorough market research and developing a clear understanding of their business idea before embarking on the pitch deck creation process. By doing so, they will have a stronger foundation for their business and a more compelling pitch when they are ready to seek investment.