Despite the consequences of the coronavirus on the business worldwide, startup founders keep actively look for fundraising and support of their innovative ideas. Canceling or pushing conversations with potential investors cannot be an option for them. Although the online environment can seem uncomfortable, remote pitching doesn’t have to be awkward. In this article, we will give you some tips about the successful organization of the VC pitch.
Step 1: Setup for your pitch (Right after a meeting with investor is scheduled)
Choose a good video conferencing tool
Your preference should fall on stable online platform with small probability of collapsing. Our suggestion is to use Google Hangouts because it does not require downloads and provide an option of joining the conference from different devices.
Make your device deck pitch-friendly
Make sure to remove everything unnecessary from your desktop. Besides, set your tables, charts and graphs in a fast and accessible manner.
Pick your performing team
The performance of maximum two team members is better for online pitches. Otherwise, the presentation can become confusing.
Eliminate all possible issues of your hardware
High quality tools like webcam or conference system can help to prevent any technical issues form your side.
Choose a suitable location
A perfect location should possess such features as stable internet connection, neutral background and lack of distractive noises.
Prepare your demo for remote presentation
Does not matter if your demo can be demonstrated through the screen share or device emulator. Make sure it works and can be clearly demonstrated.
Practice a lot
Simulate the remote pitch setup and practice with your teammates. It is also a good tip to record yourself and evaluate your performance from the viewer’s perspective.
Double-check everything
Step 2: Pre-Pitch (right before the start of the meeting)
Send all the materials in advance
This will allow your audience to follow your pith in case of technical difficulties.
Test your connection
Make sure that your internet connection is stable and conference platform works with no visible lags.
Plug in your device or charge it
It is surprising sometimes how many device batteries go dead during the important meetings…
Keep your tech support ready
Keep your team members ready to take the pitch over you in case of unpredictable issues.
Step 3: Pitch time!
Make an introduction
Introduce yourself and let others do the same. Reintroduction will not be extra.
Run your video
Turn on your video and make sure that all the participants do the same. This follows the Internet conference etiquette.
Show your energy
Try to transform your pitch into the conversation form. Let your enthusiasm come out and keep the audience engaged. An ability to hold this kind of casual conversation is a great way to perform successfully in future interviews independently from the circumstances and environment.
Make it clear
Keep your speech structured and thoughts clear.
Do not fear the long pause
Remote pitching can have its awkward moments. Do not worry about them. Just breathe and execute your plan.
Leave extra time for questions
Let your interlocutors to think about and ask everything they wonder about.
Step 4: After Pitch (immediately after your remote meeting)
Use your follow up opportunity
Create a better feeling of connection and engagement by providing your contact details. Encourage investors to address to you with further questions or any other suggestions.
Run the pitch evaluation
Write down the highlights and drawbacks of your pitch and incorporate changes you’re your future pitches.