A well-structured pitch deck is a game-changer for startups looking to attract investors and secure funding. At OKAD Agency, we helped Trusto, a chargeback prevention startup, refine its investor presentation to make complex processes understandable and compelling. Here’s how we did it and what you can learn from our approach.

1. Structure Your Story for Maximum Impact

Investors don’t just invest in ideas; they invest in well-structured narratives. We ensured that each slide in Trusto’s pitch deck contributed to a cohesive and persuasive story.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with a strong problem statement: Highlight the pain point your product solves.

• Introduce your solution: Make it clear and easy to grasp.

• Present market potential: Show investors why this opportunity is worth their time.

• Showcase your business model: Explain how your company generates revenue.

• Provide financial projections: Use data to demonstrate growth potential.

• End with a clear call to action: Tell investors what you need and why.

2. Visualize Data for Persuasion

Data is powerful, but raw numbers can be overwhelming. We transformed Trusto’s financial and operational data into digestible visuals.

How We Optimized the Design:

• Used charts and infographics to highlight revenue potential and cost savings.

• Created comparison tables to differentiate Trusto from competitors.

• Highlighted key statistics with bold typography for easy scanning.

3. Choose Typography and Colors Strategically

Your pitch deck’s design should reinforce trust and professionalism. For Trusto, we selected:

• High-contrast fonts to emphasize key takeaways.

• A palette of deep blues and soft neutrals to communicate reliability and technological innovation.

• Custom icons and diagrams instead of generic stock images to explain processes effectively.

4. Keep it Concise and Engaging

A pitch deck isn’t a research paper. Investors spend less than 4 minutes on average reviewing a deck, so every slide must be purposeful.

Best Practices:

• Keep text minimal – use bullet points, not paragraphs.

• Limit slides to 10-12 for optimal engagement.

• Use a clear and bold heading structure to guide the reader.

5. The Result: A Pitch Deck That Works

By combining strong messaging with a clean, visually engaging design, Trusto’s pitch deck became an effective tool for securing investor interest. The client reported:

• Increased engagement from potential investors.

• Positive feedback on the deck’s clarity and persuasiveness. 

• More confidence when presenting their solution.

Final Thoughts

A compelling pitch deck is an essential tool for any startup. If you’re looking to create a presentation that convinces and converts, consider these best practices. Need expert help?

FAQ: Common Questions About Pitch Decks

1. What are the key elements of a successful pitch deck?

A strong pitch deck should include a problem statement, solution, market opportunity, business model, financial projections, and a call to action. Each slide should build a compelling narrative for investors.

2. How many slides should a pitch deck have?

The ideal pitch deck is 10-12 slides long. Investors prefer concise presentations that quickly convey the most critical information.

3. What design principles should be used in a pitch deck?

Effective pitch decks use high-contrast typography, brand-aligned color palettes, clean layouts, and visual data representations to maintain engagement and readability.

4. How do you make financial projections convincing for investors?

Use data-driven estimates, industry benchmarks, and clear visual representations like charts and graphs to illustrate projected growth and revenue streams.

5. What common mistakes should be avoided in pitch decks?

Avoid overloading slides with text, using too many slides, presenting unclear business models, and neglecting to define a clear call to action for investors.