27 January 2023·7 min read

Paweł Pliszka

Editor, Vestbee

Startup Fundraising: How to Create a Perfect Problem Slide in Your Pitch Deck?

Creating a perfect pitch deck for your startup can be an intimidating task. So far we have already written articles about ask slide and team slide, and in this article, we will explain the key components of a problem slide and how to craft one that stands out from the crowd. We will provide detailed examples of effective problem slides and discuss the best practices for creating a successful pitch deck.

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By the end of this article, you will have everything you need to create an unbeatable problem slide that will convince investors that your startup is worth their attention.

What is a problem slide in a startup pitch deck?

A problem slide is an important part of any startup pitch deck. It's used to explain the problem that the startup is trying to solve. This slide should be clear and concise and include a brief description of the problem, a breakdown of the market, and a list of the potential solutions that the startup can offer. By providing a clear overview of the problem, the startup can demonstrate a deep understanding of the market and preparedness to offer a solution that can address the needs of the audience.

Why is the problem slide important for investors in a startup pitch deck?

The problem slide in a startup pitch deck is an important part of the presentation because it helps investors understand the problem that the startup is trying to solve. It also allows them to determine if the startup is able to provide a viable solution that can make a positive impact on the market. It is essential to recognize the scope of the issue, as well as how many people it has an effect on. Even if it isn't a major concern, it could be escalating and could possibly have an adverse influence on a market within the foreseeable future.

Using customer feedback to increase your reliability

To guarantee that your explanation is comprehensible, be sure to refer to and outline the target audience. Incorporating the opinions of your patrons can boost your credibility, which can be an invaluable asset in attracting investors. Describe the group of customers significantly impacted by the problem and looking for your products or services immediately. All of this should be persuasive and aid investors to comprehend the size of the issue that your startup is about to address, as well as its real effects.

The problem slide from Revolut Pitch Deck

Becoming a storyteller to create curiosity in your problem slide

During your problem slide, do not reveal the specifics of your plan, but rather give a general overview. By taking this approach, you can hold the attention of your investors. Focus on the story of your journey and the real-life experiences that motivated you to try to solve the mentioned problem. Draw your investors in with the backstory of your business, and make them familiar with the idea behind your venture, by briefly explaining how you developed the concept, why you are focusing on this particular area, and what your journey has been like thus far. This will create curiosity in them, as they will be eager to learn about the perfect solution your startup provides.

The problem slide from Opendoor Pitch Deck

Crafting a clear use case to attract investors

It is essential to have a clear use case when trying to attract investors. To do this, you must describe the issue that your customers are dealing with and how it affects their experience. The more significant the problem, the greater the demand for your product and the more interested investors will be in providing funding. To best illustrate this, provide a genuine customer story or your own experience to make investors understand the effects of the problem. Explain how this issue is currently being addressed and what the most common solutions are. Additionally, identify the main challenges of existing solutions.

Here are some tips about what you should do on your problem slide:

  • Explain the issue that your startup sets out to address and why it matters.
  • Explain the value proposition of your startup and how it helps to solve the problem.
  • Explain why your startup offers a better solution than existing alternatives.
  • Share feedback from customers who have successfully used your startup to solve their problems.
  • Recap the main points and emphasize the value of your startup.
  • Invite the audience to visit your website, sign up for a demo, or contact you for more information.

And here is what you shouldn’t do:

  • Don't overload the slide with too much text or visuals, as it can be overwhelming.
  • Don't use jargon or technical terms that could be confusing or unclear.
  • Don't use too many colours and fonts, as it can be distracting.
  • Don't just explain the problem; provide potential solutions or ideas for how to move forward.
  • Don't be too general; be specific about the problem in order to get to the point.
  • Don't forget to explain the importance of the issue and why it needs to be solved.

By following these steps, you can quickly and effectively explain the problem that your startup solves to your audience. Doing so will help you get the attention of potential customers and investors, and increase the chances of success for your startup.

Conclusion

When creating a presentation for a startup, a problem slide is a must-have element. Overall, to attract investors, taking customers' feedback and using it to enhance your credibility is one of the most effective methods. During the presentation, try to keep the specifics of the solution under wraps, and instead, focus on how the story of your journey led you to your venture. Become a narrator and charm your investors with the background of your company. You need to illustrate the issue your customers are facing and how it impacts their overall experience.

For more assistance in writing your Investor Pitch Deck and pitching your startup to investors see the following articles: 

Wanna know more about the fundraising process and how to successfully get your startup funded? Click here to download Perfect Pitch - The Ultimate Startup Guide, an ebook prepared by a team of experts and investors including insights about startup pitches, tips from investors, advice on how to pitch, and much more!

Needed expert help? Here at Vestbee, we gathered a team of VC professionals who will support your startup in the fundraising journey. Join us and create your online startup one-pager to share your business with investors with a click, track their engagement and get access to top VC funds from Vestbee startup & VC community!

Related Posts:

Startup Fundraising: Tips for Crafting the Perfect Ask Slide In Pitch Deck (by Olga Chechłacz, Editor, Vestbee)

Startup Fundraising: How To Nail Your Startup Team Slide In Investor’s Deck? (by Olga Chechłacz, Editor, Vestbee)

Startup Fundraising: How To Craft Startup One-Pager For Investors? (by Olga Chechłacz, Editor, Vestbee)

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