Investor pitch coaching: deck, messaging and preparation for questions

Situations suited to investor pitch coaching

• A start-up is preparing a fundraising round with a deck focused solely on the product’s features.
• An SME raising funds does not know which points the investor will verify first.
• An applicant to an acceleration programme must present the project in a constrained format.
• A team has traction data, but no structured narrative to present it.
• A founder wishes to rehearse the pitch before a competition and obtain precise feedback.

Process

1. Purchase and onboarding. The client first acquires the Investor pitch intake form (CV-03). ASKonsult then opens the secure exchange space, which centralises the documents and questions.
2. Synchronous scoping. Session 1, a 60-minute videoconference, specifies the profile of the targeted investors and the format of the pitch. It also identifies the project’s differentiating elements.
3. Asynchronous collection. The client then completes the intake form and transmits the existing deck as well as the quantified data. Written questions circulate in both directions.
4. Analysis and correction. The firm’s in-house engineering then restructures the narrative and overhauls the deck. In parallel, it compiles the list of questions expected from investors.
5. Synchronous presentation. Session 2, a 60-minute videoconference, involves the delivery of the deck. Finally, session 3, also of 60 minutes, consists of a timed rehearsal followed by feedback.

Deliverable

The investor pitch coaching deliverable first comprises a pitch deck of 10 to 14 slides. A short 5-slide version accompanies it. The messaging note then sets out the key messages of the narrative. The deliverable also includes 30 investor questions and answers. Finally, the feedback grid records the observations made during the timed rehearsal. ASKonsult delivers the deck at session 2, after final review.

Prerequisites

The package first requires the completed Investor pitch intake form (CV-03). Traction data and forecasts complete this base. Where applicable, the existing deck is also among the expected documents. Timeframes run from receipt of a complete file.

Frequently asked questions

How is the quote for the package drawn up?

The quote is based on a qualification discussion prior to subscription. This discussion covers in particular whether a deck already exists and the number of language versions. The specific terms and conditions then set the scope, schedule, number of sessions, expected documents and deliverable. ASKonsult then creates the order on the basis of the accepted quote. The start date also depends on the firm’s schedule.

How do the three sessions unfold?

The package comprises three 60-minute videoconference sessions, 3 hours in total. The first handles scoping; the second, the delivery of the restructured deck. The third takes the form of a timed rehearsal, followed by feedback. Between scoping and delivery, collection and analysis take place asynchronously. The firm also schedules the sessions in advance.

Why a timed rehearsal?

The rehearsal places the pitch in its real time conditions. It thus makes it possible to check the flow of the narrative and the command of answers to the expected questions. The observations then feed the feedback grid given to the client. Investor pitch coaching therefore covers the deck, the messaging and oral preparation.

Does the package guarantee selection or a successful fundraising?

No. The service is a obligation of means and carries no guarantee of selection or of funds being raised. The decision indeed lies solely with the investors or juries. Nor does the package include introductions to investors. Finally, the client remains the sole decision-maker regarding the content presented and is responsible for the accuracy of the data transmitted.

Does the data transmitted remain confidential?

The firm treats the existing deck, traction data and forecasts transmitted as confidential. These elements circulate only via the secure exchange space and serve solely the purposes of the service. This obligation also survives the end of the relationship. Reciprocally, the client undertakes the same discretion with regard to non-public tools and deliverables.

What extensions to the package are available?

Upstream, the Business plan and financial forecast package (K-02) consolidates the quantified assumptions. When the project seeks public funding or a donor, the Preparing a grant or funding application package (K-08) takes over. The checklist Preparing a funding or grant application (P-15), for its part, prepares this application. Finally, regular support falls under the Reference subscription (A-01).

Out of scope

Investor pitch coaching does not include introductions to investors. It also excludes company valuation. Negotiation of the shareholders’ agreement or of the investment terms also remains outside the service. When a point falls to an authorised professional, ASKonsult refers the client to that professional. Finally, the package carries no guarantee of selection or of funds being raised.