VentureVista Investments’ Post

Inspiring Action: The Pitch In the world of business, the ability to inspire action is paramount. Whether you're presenting an idea to your team, seeking investment, or pitching to potential clients, your pitch is the catalyst for change. I did my first pitch in 2013 at the Safaricom Appstar where we ended up as runners up and then in 2015 and Vodafone’s Upcoming Developer of the year, after this  Veronica Ogeto then pushed me to join Technovation and to start pitch coaching to different entrepreneurs. I have come to understand the power of the pitch through, that with every interaction, every meeting - I have to define the action I want to inspire, is it an investment, a second meeting, a partnership? So this became the center of my discussions as I coach on pitching - what action do you want to inspire? But what truly makes a pitch compelling? What will inspire action? It's more than just a recitation of facts and figures; it's about crafting a narrative that captivates, resonates, and motivates. Here are a few key elements to consider when crafting your next pitch: 1️.Know Your Audience: Tailor your message to resonate with the values, needs, and pain points of your audience. Understanding their perspective is the first step towards inspiring action. 2️.Tell a Story: We humans are wired to respond to stories. We remember narratives far better than we do a list of features or benefits. Weave a story that illustrates the problem, your solution, and the transformation it brings. 3️.Paint a Vision: Inspire with possibility. Paint a vivid picture of the future that your audience can't resist being a part of. Show them the potential impact of their action and the value it brings. 4.Confidence and Authenticity: Confidence is contagious. Believe wholeheartedly in your vision and let your authenticity shine through. People are drawn to genuine passion and conviction. 5️.Call to Action: Finally, be clear about what you want your audience to do next. Whether it's signing up for a trial, investing in your idea, or joining your team, make it easy for them to take the next step. Remember, a great pitch isn't just about selling a product or service; it's about inspiring belief and action. Mastering the art of the pitch can open doors, drive change, and propel your ideas to new heights. What's your secret to crafting an inspiring pitch? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #Inspiration #Pitching #BusinessSuccess"

Founders, read this! So true from Katherine Boyle at A16Z. Posting an answer to a question founders often ask me: what makes for a great pitch? Here’s one way of thinking about it. Most believe their deck or content is the most important part of the pitch. It’s not. Pitching is a performance. There’s a choreography to it. Anyone who tries to wing a pitch is missing a key tenet of storytelling. How you move through the story matters. The vast majority of founders know how to organize the content: the classical story arc of problem, solution, why now, product, GTM, team. Tell the story using that framework, as your audience is familiar with it. But movement is a different thing. At the earliest stage, think of the first pitch as a showcase of you, the main character. Showcase how your brain works, what you’re capable of building. You want to show your range in thirty minutes—which is hard to do— but how you move through the story helps to do that. The first motion is moving up and down, macro to micro. The second motion is left to right, left-brained (technical) to right-brained (business/ops/sales). Up and Down Moving up and down means going from macro thinking to micro thinking, sweeping story and synthesis of information to recall of small details. The best founders can see the full chess board while also moving down to the tiniest of details and numbers, and you want to show that you can do both in the first meeting. You also want to show you can move back and forth seamlessly between these two modes of thinking, as most people operate in one mode most of the time. If you’re naturally a macro thinker, spend more time showing command of detail. If you’re a detailed person, show you can pop up and see the full picture. Right and Left The best founders excel in the technical (left) and the human (right.) In your early pitches, you will (sometimes unfairly) be classified as one or the other: a technical founder or a business founder. The technical founder needs to master the GTM slides. The business founder needs to spend a lot of time showing they’ve mastered the technical — and that they understand how the product works and evolves. This seems counterintuitive— investors invest on strengths, not weakness. Don’t you want the sales founder to talk about sales? Yes, do that. But it is extremely impressive (and important) that founders show that they can learn what isn’t native to them and thrive in both the synthesis and the details. You want to show you can learn and will continue to learn. Choreographing a pitch well comes with practice. All storytelling — from writing to standup to movies— requires scripting because no one is talented enough to wing a major performance. Thirty minutes is a short amount of time to showcase the story and how you move through it. But if you think of the pitch as performance where you must show many facets of yourself, as in all stories, your audience will better connect with you.

"A pitch deck won’t close you a high-ticket client, but my 3 steps will.”     Controversial? Maybe.   But it's true.     Your sale actually starts before your pitch.     Here's what I learned the hard way:  As a young agency founder,   I thought pitch decks were everything.     Great services, case studies, testimonials  That's all I needed, right?   Wrong.     My biggest deals came from connections, not collateral.     So, how do you do it?   A get-to-know-you discovery call.     Here's my 3-stage process: Stage 1: Get personal   → Ask about their entrepreneurial journey  → Show genuine interest in their story  → Build rapport and trust    Stage 2: Dive into their business   → Uncover their pain points  → Understand their goals and vision  → Tailor your approach to their needs    Stage 3: Value first, price second.   → Showcase potential results and benefits  → Address objections in an objective way  → Position your price as an investment    People don’t just buy from any people. People buy from   - people they like,   - people they know,   - people they trust. Your discovery call is your chance to become that person.      It's not just about selling your offer.    It's about creating a connection.  (That's what I call a 'pitch-perfect' approach!)     The next time you prep for a call, focus on connection first.   Your pitch deck can wait. Your prospect's story can't. ----------------------- Hello from Astha! 🌸  Cooking up tips on content, work hacks, and entrepreneurship.  Enjoyed this?  Repost ♻️ to help 1 person thrive.  Follow me, hit the 🔔 Astha Verma   

🎯 **What to Expect When Pitching Your Seed-Stage Startup at a VC Partner Meeting** The First Round review articles are some of my favorites. This one by Liz Wessel is an example why, Enjoy the summary. Link at the bottom. Pitching at a VC partner meeting can be daunting, but being prepared makes all the difference. Here's what you need to know: 1. Understand the Dynamics: Partner meetings are different from 1:1 investor pitches. Expect a longer meeting (usually 60 minutes) with multiple investors in the room. The partners come prepared, so bring your A-game and have your slides ready to guide the conversation. 2. Leverage Your Point Partner: Your point partner is your advocate. Treat them like a teammate. Ask for feedback before the meeting and lean on them to understand what to emphasize during your pitch. They’re invested in your success, so don’t hesitate to seek their guidance. 3. Know the Role of the Partner Meeting: Not all partner meetings are the same. Some are mere formalities, while others are the real decision-making moments. Ask your point partner about the decision-making process to better prepare. 4. Get Ready to Dive Deep: Be prepared for in-depth questions. Partners have likely reviewed an investment memo, so they’ll want to get into the weeds. Know your numbers and be ready to discuss the details of your business. 5. Expect Interruptions: Unlike a 1:1 pitch, partner meetings can be filled with interruptions. Practice handling out-of-order questions to stay on track. Remember, interruptions mean they’re interested. 6. Manage Your Time Wisely: Time flies in partner meetings. Practice different versions of your pitch—short and long—so you’re ready for anything. Make sure to cover your key points without rushing. 7. Balance the Big Picture and the Details: The best pitches can zoom out to the 10-year vision and then dive back into today’s details. Practice your pitch with friends outside your industry to ensure you’re conveying the right message. 8. Bring the Energy: Partner meetings are often back-to-back for investors. Stand out by bringing energy and authenticity to your pitch. Tell your story and focus on what excites investors most about your startup. Remember, partner meetings are an opportunity to showcase your startup’s potential. Stay confident, be yourself, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Good luck! 🚀 💬 What’s your experience been like pitching to VCs? Share your thoughts in the comments! #Startups #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #SeedStage #PitchingTips #FounderAdvice https://lnkd.in/gbuuT8f3

Pitching Your FSR-QSR Business Idea: The Borne Experience with Fourriere Sport | Restro | Lounge Let's dive into the success story of Fourriere Sport | Restro | Lounge and how Borne and @Gregorydonnasser have transformed it into a standout venture. The Importance of a Strong Pitch Pitching your business idea effectively is crucial when seeking investors and underwriters. It's your opportunity to showcase your vision, strategy, and potential for growth. But how can you make your pitch stand out in a competitive market? The Power of Effective Data In today's data-driven world, factual data is king. It provides investors and underwriters with tangible evidence of your business's viability and potential. By presenting accurate and relevant data, you can give them the insights they need to make informed decisions quickly. Fourriere Sport | Restro | Lounge: A Success Story Fourriere Sport | Restro | Lounge is a prime example of how leveraging effective data can propel a business to potential success. Under the leadership of Borne and @Gregorydonnasser, Fourriere has bossed and surged in a competitive FSR-QSR market. They understood the importance of using data to: Identify Trends: Understanding consumer preferences and market trends allowed them to tailor their offerings to meet customer demands effectively. Optimize Operations: Data-driven insights helped them streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, leading to higher profitability. Attract Investors: By presenting compelling data-backed arguments, they attracted investors who saw the potential in their business model and growth strategy. The Borne Experience: Elevating Your Business Borne offers a unique experience that goes beyond traditional consulting. They provide actionable insights, innovative strategies, and hands-on support to help businesses like yours succeed. By partnering with Borne, you can: Gain Competitive Advantage: Stay ahead of the curve by leveraging cutting-edge strategies and insights. Build Strong Relationships: Borne's expertise can help you foster strong relationships with investors and underwriters, making the conversation more conversionary. I plead with ALL FSR-QSR aspiring and current business owners to get the Borne Experience. If you haven't partnered with Borne yet, you're missing out on a game-changing opportunity. Imagine putting a snowball in an oven and expecting it not to melt. That's what it's like trying to succeed in the FSR-QSR industry without leveraging the power of data and expert guidance. Pitching your FSR-QSR business idea doesn't have to be daunting. With the right data, strategies, and support from experts like Borne and @Gregorydonnasser, you can confidently present your vision and take your business to new heights. #FSRQSR #BusinessPitch #DataDriven #BorneExperience #FourriereSuccessStory

🌍 In a world inundated with information, your pitch deck must do more than just convey facts—it needs to break through the noise and make a memorable impact. ✨ How can you achieve this? Read more in our article! 👉 #PitchDeck #Presentation #Pitch #BusinessStrategy #Creative #Design #Marketing #StartupTips #Entrepreneurship #Business #Strategy #CreativeStudio #Designer

Day 74: 10 Pro Tips to Make Your Startup Pitch Deck Pop! Nail Your Pitch: Essential Startup Pitch Tips from the Founder Institute. Happy Friday, Friends! Today, I’ve got a 🔥 resource for you from the Founder Institute Texas that you NEED to check out if you’re working on a startup pitch. After seeing 1000s of pitches over the last 5+ years, I can tell you that nailing your pitch is an ongoing journey. You'll always find ways to sharpen it, tighten it, and make it hit harder. Trust me. So, to help you along, here are 10 tips to make your pitch deck pop and leave people saying, "Wow, this founder knows what's up!" 1️⃣ Focus on storytelling: No one cares about just facts—give them a story that pulls at their heartstrings (or at least keeps them awake ). 2️⃣ Structure matters: Follow a simple flow—problem, solution, market, traction, team. If you can’t explain it in that order, are you even solving a problem? 3️⃣ Keep it concise: You’ve got 10 minutes max. If you're taking longer, they’re thinking about lunch. 4️⃣ Prioritize content over design: A slick design is cool and all, but can you just make sure your content isn’t cluttered first? Please. 5️⃣ Use conversational language: Ditch the tech jargon and buzzwords. Talk to them like you're explaining it to a 10-year-old—simple, clear, relatable. 6️⃣ Show, don’t just tell: Demos, screenshots, whatever you’ve got—use them. Don’t just talk about your brilliant idea; prove it works. 7️⃣ Practice, but don’t aim for perfection: Things will go wrong. It's fine. Be prepared to roll with it. 8️⃣ Be prepared for questions: If someone stumps you with a question, don’t ramble. Take a beat, answer, and move on. Less awkward that way. 9️⃣ Demonstrate execution ability: Ideas are cool, but execution is KEY. Show you’re not just dreaming—you’re doing. 🔟 Build relationships: Your pitch isn’t a one-off—it's the start of a relationship. Get them hooked so they want to see you again. Want more? Check out the Founder Institute NTX’s cohort and get the tools and support to build something amazing: https://fi.co/dallas Your pitch is just the beginning—go make them believe in your vision! Who's ready to crush their next pitch? Tell me what part you struggle with the most in the comments. Let’s make the next days of our journey count, filled with more stories, inspiration, and community impact! P.S. Want to get involved? If this resonates, repost, to share with others ♻️ and follow Javy Martinez for more in the future.

Lately, I’ve noticed a common trend among entrepreneurs, including myself. We’re so focused on chasing high-paying clients, scaling our businesses, and hitting bigger goals, that we often overlook the importance of those simple, everyday conversations. You know—the quick DMs, the casual inquiries, and the messages we assume aren’t worth our time. But what if those conversations held more potential than we think? 🤔 In my experience, some of the most rewarding business opportunities don’t come from the big, flashy clients, but from the ones we least expect. Those early-stage interactions are the foundation for trust, relationships, and, ultimately, sales. 💬 I’ve come to realize that mastering the art of genuine communication is more valuable than any marketing funnel. When we take the time to engage, respond, and listen, we not only open the door to new opportunities but also show potential clients that they matter. Here’s what I’ve learned: Consistency is key. Staying in touch and engaging in meaningful dialogue goes a long way in building trust. Be curious. Ask questions, understand their needs, and show genuine interest. Don’t underestimate small inquiries. What seems insignificant now could be your next big client or partnership. To help others tap into this often-overlooked aspect of business, I’ve put together DM Mastery - Transforming Conversations into Sales—a guide to help you turn those DMs into real business results. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your communication strategy, this guide has practical steps that can help you see immediate results. 📥 Get my full guide for FREE and start turning everyday conversations into sales opportunities. here 👉 https://lnkd.in/deBsevEB And if you're also interested in long-term business growth strategies, check out the Small to Mighty: Business Growth Blueprint, which I’ve linked on the same page. Let’s stop underestimating the power of a conversation and start transforming them into real opportunities for success! 🚀

Went to a 100 person meetup last week. Here's how NOT to pitch your business. Pitching is an awesome thing. Most people think about VCs and investors when they hear the word pitching. But pitching to me comes much earlier. You can literally go pitch your business to your mom right now. The CTA (yes, pitches have CTAs) will vary according to your audience. But the essence of the pitch is always the same. Last week I was at this 100 person event in Buenos Aires. Loved it, awesome vibes. 3 entrepreneurs had the chance to pitch their businesses in front of everyone, during 2 minutes. No keynotes. No decks. Just one person in front of the audience. 4 Simple key lessons I got: 1) Start with a personal life story. It will act as a hook to people, and sound zero salesy. 2) Connect your personal life story with the solution you're building. Your story is the skin in the game. The solution is what you're doing to solve the pain. 3) Have a really clear CTA. If you pitch simply for awareness, nothing will happen. Ask people to DO something afterwards. 4) Say your name, and your company name as clear as possible. Open your mouth. Spell both your name and company name. Spell the website URL. These 4 sound simple and obvious. Believe me when I tell you I had to go ask these pitchers individually what was the name of their companies because I couldn't find them online. Remember: no need to be raising money to turn on pitching mode. Pitch the heck out of your business! Awesome feedback will come out of that exercise. And even better: more clarity for you as a founder. If you liked this one, follow me for more product design B2B SMB stories Juan Martín Germano

Starting ChannelCore has been the most intense learning curve of my career. It has also been the most rewarding. With over 16 years in marketing, including roles as a CMO, I thought I was prepared for anything. But bootstrapping my own business has taught me lessons I never anticipated. One of the biggest is how important it is to manage resources. Doing everything myself—from marketing and sales to client work—has shown me that every minute counts, and that I have to prioritize tasks in order to get things done. If you’re thinking about starting your own business, here are a few tips: 1. Prioritize your tasks: Focus on what’s most important and delegate when possible. The key here is to manage your time efficiently. 2. Build your personal brand: Establish trust and credibility in your industry. 3. Master lead generation: Consistent outreach and relationship-building are essential to scale and operate your business. 4. Deliver exceptional client work: Happy clients lead to invaluable referrals. 5. Stay adaptable: Be ready to pivot and adapt to new challenges. Juggling a new business and being a first-time father to a one-year-old has been incredibly tough. There are days when balance feels impossible, but I’ve learned to be kind to myself and take it one day at a time. Building a network of fellow entrepreneurs and mentors has provided invaluable support and advice. You don’t have to do it all alone. Starting from scratch isn’t easy, but the journey has been worth it.