"I’m thinking we’ll just put some numbers on the financials slide—nothing fancy. People only care about the idea, right?"
This was the statement from a client during a recent remote session with our Creative Director. They were building their pitch deck for an upcoming funding round, and the financials slide was starting to feel like an afterthought. It’s a common misconception, and one that happens all too often. Our Creative Director, with years of experience helping startups craft investor-ready decks, swiftly responded:
"Well, that’s one way to look at it, but think of it this way: your financials slide is like the backstage pass to your company’s future. If you present it well, it can amplify your story. It’s where you show the money—the hard proof—that you know where your company’s headed and how it’s going to get there."
In that moment, it became clear that this wasn’t just a client question, but a key moment in the pitch process—one that needed to be nailed. And that's where we come in. As a presentation design agency, we craft slides that not only showcase the heart of your business but also guide investors through the logic and structure behind it, especially in the financials section.
Want to see our past presentation design projects? Browse case studies here.
So, What’s the Deal with the Pitch Deck Financials Slide?
Glad you asked. The financials slide is often the trickiest and most intimidating part of a pitch deck. For many entrepreneurs, numbers can feel like a foreign language, especially when translating them into an investor-friendly narrative.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just about slapping on some numbers and moving on. This is your opportunity to provide clear, compelling evidence of your business’s financial health and its growth trajectory. Investors care about two things when they look at a pitch deck’s financials: what’s the current state and what’s the potential for growth. That’s what you need to convey.
Why Does the Financials Slide Matter So Much?
Simply put, financials give credibility to your business idea. If your deck paints an enticing vision but your numbers don’t add up, investors might smell something fishy. On the flip side, if you present your financials in a polished and transparent way, you're showing investors that you understand the nuances of your business. You're telling them that you know how to handle money, forecast growth, and scale with profitability.
It’s the “proof in the pudding” moment. Investors want to know that your business isn’t just a brilliant idea, it’s a viable one. And that financials slide? It’s where you prove it.
The best pitch decks don’t just show growth—they illustrate a clear path to it. Investors want to know how you're going to turn that awesome idea into a revenue-generating machine. So while the narrative of your pitch is essential, the financials slide is where you put your money where your mouth is.
How to Tackle the Financials Slide (Without Losing Your Mind)
1. Don’t Overthink the Numbers
First thing’s first—don’t stress over perfection. The financials slide is not about having flawless projections or an airtight business model. It’s about giving a clear picture of where your business is headed. Investors aren’t expecting you to predict the future with 100% accuracy; they just want to see that you understand your business and have a plan. So, keep it simple. Focus on the big picture—your revenue projections, your key expenses, and your margins. Make sure these numbers tell a story about how your business will grow, but don’t lose your mind trying to predict every little detail.
2. Design for Clarity, Not Complexity
A cluttered financials slide is a sure way to lose your audience. Keep it visually clear and digestible. This is where design plays a huge role—no one wants to sift through a sea of numbers. Use charts, graphs, and icons to break down the information. A simple bar chart for your revenue projections over the next three years works wonders, and a pie chart or icon-based system can quickly outline your expenses. Keep text to a minimum. The more visually appealing and straightforward the slide, the easier it is for investors to absorb and trust the information you’re presenting.
3. Focus on Key Metrics
Here’s the thing: investors aren’t interested in every tiny detail of your financials. They care about the big, meaningful numbers. Focus on the key metrics that matter the most: your revenue projections, gross margin, expenses, and any growth assumptions you’ve made. Investors want to know how you plan to make money, what your major expenses are, and whether your business can scale. Don’t bog them down with overly granular details. Instead, highlight the metrics that tell the most compelling story of your business’ potential.
4. Be Transparent About Assumptions
One of the biggest mistakes you can make on the financials slide is to leave investors guessing about where your numbers are coming from. If your projections are based on assumptions—like a certain customer acquisition cost, or a market size estimate—be open about it. This transparency will actually work in your favor. Add a small section to the slide (or even a quick note) explaining your assumptions. This helps investors see that your projections are based on thoughtful analysis, not just guesswork. It also shows that you’ve put time and effort into understanding your business.
5. Don’t Drown in Detail—Keep It High-Level
This is not the place for exhaustive spreadsheets. Your financials slide should hit on the high-level points without overwhelming the viewer. Stick to the basics: revenue projections, key expenses, and margins. Leave the nitty-gritty details for later conversations, not your pitch deck. If an investor wants to dive deeper, you’ll have plenty of time in follow-up meetings to explain. For now, just show them the story in broad strokes. Remember: simplicity wins.
6. Keep Your Confidence in Check
It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of having perfect numbers, but remember that your financials slide is only one piece of the puzzle. The most important thing is that your projections align with your narrative. If your story makes sense and your financials back that up, you’ve already won half the battle. Don’t be afraid to stand behind your numbers, even if they’re a bit rough around the edges. What matters most is showing that you understand your business and have a plan to grow.
7. Get Feedback and Iterate
Lastly, before you finalize your financials slide, get feedback. Show it to someone who hasn’t been as involved in your business—like a mentor or a fellow entrepreneur—and see if they can make sense of it. Their fresh perspective can help you spot any areas that might need more clarification. Once you have that feedback, iterate. Fine-tuning the slide to make it as clear and impactful as possible is key. And remember, it’s okay to refine your approach over time as your business evolves.
Example of Pitch Deck Financials,
For a good example of how financial data can be visually presented in a pitch deck, take a look at these two case studies from our portfolio. They highlight how we effectively design the financials slide to convey complex information clearly.
Case Study 1 : BOCACO Series B Pitch Deck
Case Study 2: IndiaNext Series A Pitch Deck
When to Include the Financials Slide (And How to Position It)
When it comes to placement in your pitch deck, the financials slide typically appears towards the end—after you've already captured attention with your company’s mission, problem-solving capabilities, and product-market fit. The financials should come right before your closing slide, where you make your ask for funding.
This placement is strategic: by the time you get to your financials slide, you’ve already built excitement and confidence in your potential. Now, it’s time to show them the money—and how you plan to make even more of it.
A Few Insider Tips
Okay, we’re not giving everything away, but here are a few insider tips to give your financials slide that extra “oomph”:
Use Visuals: Forget about long paragraphs of text. Investors don’t want to be buried in numbers. Use graphs, charts, and tables to make your financials digestible. Visual representation of data is much more compelling and helps convey information at a glance.
Keep It Simple: Focus on the most important data. Too much information will overwhelm your audience. Highlight key numbers and trends that tell your story in a way that’s easy to digest.
Be Transparent: Investors appreciate honesty. If your projections are based on assumptions, say so. Explain what’s behind your numbers and the factors influencing them.
Tell a Story: As with the rest of your pitch deck, the financials slide should follow a logical flow. Connect the dots between your current situation, projections, and the impact of the funding you’re asking for.
Let's work together
As a presentation design agency, we’ve helped countless startups and entrepreneurs craft pitch decks that resonate with investors. So, if you're gearing up for your big pitch and need some expert help, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you make your numbers work for you.
Comments