Research guides: Entrepreneurship: Pitches and Decks

Pitches and Decks

Pitching your idea to a mentor or investor is intimidating, even for experienced entrepreneurs. Here are a few resources on pitching presentations to get you started.'

Presentation examples

The Only 10 Slides you Need in your Pitch
It’s quite simple: a pitch should have ten slides, last no more than twenty minutes, and contain no font smaller than thirty points.
Ten Slides to an Awesome Pitch by Dave McClure
The basic content and order of a pitch deck, according to 500 Startups founder Dave McClure.
Sample pitch decks
A gallery of visual presentations, aka "pitch decks," uploaded by startups who succeeded in getting funding for their idea.
The Ultimate Pitch Deck to Raise Money for Startups - Forbes
This article identifies 11 core slides deemed essential for a startup investment pitch.
The Best Startup Pitch Decks
A collection of decks from successful startups, plus links to videos and how-tos. Note: Some content is behind paywalls.

Advice on pitching

U of T Entrepreneurship: Accelerators
Many of the U of T accelerator programs provide pitch coaching and advice. Visit the U of T Entrepreneurship website to find an accelerator that suits your needs.
MaRS Startup Library - How to Create a Pitch Deck for Investors
A step-by-step guide created by MaRS Market Intelligence, based on Guy Kawasaki's The Art of the Start.
JLABS on-demand webinar: Developing a Non-Confidential Pitch Deck
This recorded version of a live session offered by JLabs focused on preparing a non-confidential pitch deck and executive summary, along with tips to help you safely share your health startup ideas whether in-person or virtually.
How to Pitch a Brilliant Idea - Harvard Business Review
Written from the point of view of the film industry, this article looks at the psychology behind a successful pitch.
What NOT to do when pitching to investors
A list of some common pitfalls for first-time pitchers, sometimes with humourous results. Created by a Kansas City small business centre.

The 12 Magic Slides by Paul M. Getty
ISBN: 9781430264842
Publication Date: 2013-12-19
HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations (HBR Guide Series) by Nancy Duarte
ISBN: 1422187101
Publication Date: 2012-10-02
Pitch Perfect by Haje Jan Kamps
ISBN: 1484260643
Publication Date: 2020-08-25
Pitch Perfect by Haje Jan Kamps expertly teaches you how to tell your startup's story.
Pitch Tweet or Engage on the Street by Kara Alaimo
ISBN: 0367188511
Publication Date: 2020-12-01
"The second edition of Pitch, Tweet, or Engage on the Street offers a modern guide for how to adapt public relations strategies, messages, and tactics for countries and cultures around the globe.
Rock the Tech Stage by Oscar Santolalla
ISBN: 9781484263112
Publication Date: 2020-12-01
This book unveils ten secrets on how to masterfully speak in the technology arena. It is primarily based on stories from entrepreneurs, executives and engineers from technology companies that have shaped history: Steve Jobs, Tim Cook, Elon Musk, and many more.

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Pitches and Decks

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Presentation examples

Advice on pitching

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