Chetan, the co-founder of a promising cannabis company and our client, reached out to us to develop their Series B pitch deck.
During our initial consultation, he shared an important insight: "I trust your expertise in crafting pitch decks, and I'm confident you'll do an excellent job. However, there's one crucial aspect I'd like to ensure we address," Chetan began, his tone reflecting both enthusiasm and concern.
Intrigued, I prompted him to elaborate. "What specific element did you have in mind?"
Chetan leaned forward, "Given the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, particularly regarding the medicinal benefits of cannabis, we believe it's vital to educate investors on why now is an opportune time for our business. The growing public awareness and changing perceptions create a unique market opportunity that we must highlight."
I nodded in agreement, appreciating his strategic thinking. "Chetan, I completely understand your perspective, and I'm glad you brought this up. Rest assured, we consider the 'Why Now' slide an essential component of every pitch deck we create. It was already on our radar to include this critical information."
Chetan's face lit up with relief and satisfaction. "That's fantastic to hear. I just wanted to ensure we were aligned on the importance of this timing aspect. It's reassuring to know you've got it covered."
This conversation inspired us to create this blog post, sharing insights on crafting effective pitch decks, with a special focus on the 'Why Now' slide and its significance in today's dynamic business landscape.
Note: If you’re in the process of creating a pitch deck, we can help.
Why is the "Why Now" slide so crucial?
Because when it comes to startups, timing is everything. Imagine having a fantastic food delivery app in 2005 – before smartphones became ubiquitous.
The idea might have been sound, but the technology and consumer behavior weren't quite there yet. The "Why Now" slide ensures you're not just presenting a great idea, but one that resonates with the current market landscape and presents a compelling opportunity for investors.
Here's the thing, crafting a "Why Now" slide can feel like a balancing act. You need to be clear, concise, and impactful. But you also need to tell a story, paint a picture of a world where your product or service fills a critical gap and unlocks massive potential. So, how do we achieve this perfect blend? Let's break it down into five key elements:
How to make the "Why now" slide?
1. Amplify the Problem, Not Just the Solution
Imagine a doctor diagnosing a patient. They wouldn't just jump straight to the prescription, right? First, they'd meticulously examine the symptoms, understand the root cause of the illness. The same logic applies to your pitch.
Focus on a specific pain point your target audience faces and explain how this problem has become more acute or widespread recently. Is there a new regulation creating challenges? Has a recent technological shift exposed vulnerabilities in existing solutions? By highlighting the urgency of the problem, you instantly grab the investor's attention and create a sense of "Now is the time!"
Here's an example: Let's say you're pitching a cybersecurity solution. Instead of simply stating "Cybersecurity is important," dive deeper. Highlight a recent data breach that made headlines, or showcase a statistic on the rising cost of cybercrime. This paints a clear picture of the amplified problem and positions your solution as the much-needed defense.
2. Shine a Light on the Time-Sensitive Opportunity
Sometimes, the opportunity is driven by a limited window. Perhaps a patent you hold is nearing expiration, incentivizing investors to act fast to capitalize on its potential. Maybe a new regulation is about to come into effect, creating a surge in demand for solutions like yours. Highlighting this time-sensitive element adds another layer of urgency and makes your offering even more attractive.
Here's an example: Imagine you've developed a revolutionary new material for solar panels. On your "Why Now" slide, you could mention that government subsidies for clean energy projects are set to expire in two years. This creates a limited window of opportunity for investors to get in on the ground floor of a potentially lucrative market before the window closes.
3. Ride the Wave of Technological Advancements
Technology is a double-edged sword for entrepreneurs. On one hand, it can disrupt entire industries and render once-dominant products obsolete. On the other hand, it can create entirely new opportunities and make previously impossible solutions feasible.
If your product or service benefits from a recent technological breakthrough, showcase it on your slide. Explain how this advancement makes your offering more efficient, cost-effective, or simply possible compared to previous attempts at solving the same problem.
Here's an example: Let's say you're developing a telemedicine platform that allows doctors to remotely diagnose and treat patients in rural areas. On your "Why Now" slide, you could highlight the recent advancements in 5G technology that provide the bandwidth and reliability necessary for seamless video consultations. This positions your telemedicine platform as the perfect solution to bridge the gap in healthcare access, powered by the tailwind of technological progress.
4. Embrace the Competitive Landscape (Without Getting Lost in It)
A common misconception is that your "Why Now" slide should shy away from any mention of competitors. However, a strategically crafted slide can actually leverage the competitive landscape to your advantage. Here's how:
Briefly mention a relevant competitor or alternative solution.
Explain how your offering presents a superior or more timely solution compared to existing options. Is your product more user-friendly, scalable, or cost-effective? Highlight the unique value proposition that sets you apart.
Here's an example: Imagine you're pitching a cloud-based accounting software for small businesses. You might mention on your slide that competitor X offers a similar service, but their software requires hefty upfront costs and complex installation. Your cloud-based platform, on the other hand, is affordable, easy to use, and accessible from any device. By contrasting yourself with the competition, you showcase the clear "Why Now" advantage your solution offers.
5. Make it Visual, Make it Memorable
Remember, your pitch deck is a visual presentation, not just a text document. Don't underestimate the power of a good design to grab attention and leave a lasting impression.
Use impactful visuals such as charts, graphs, or infographics to support your points. Data visualizations can be incredibly effective in conveying complex information quickly and memorably.
Keep it minimal. Investors don't have time for a text-heavy slide. Use bullet points, clear headings, and powerful language to get your message across in a focused and impactful way.
By incorporating these five key elements, you can craft a "Why Now" slide that goes beyond simply stating the obvious. It becomes a compelling narrative that showcases the urgency and opportunity associated with your business. It's the slide that convinces investors that your solution isn't just a good idea, but one with the potential to revolutionize the way we do things and unlock massive value.
Work with us
At Ink Narrates, we specialize in crafting compelling pitch decks that tell your story and highlight the urgency of your solution. We offer a free consultation to discuss your specific needs and how we can help you design a winning presentation. Get in touch today!
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