As a startup founder, your pitch deck is your gateway to securing funding, partnerships, and ultimately, success. A well-designed pitch deck can make all the difference in convincing investors and partners to join your journey. While every slide in your deck is important, one slide that you simply can’t afford to skip is the team slide.
At Slideckly, we understand the impact a great team slide can have on a pitch deck. It’s one of our favorite slides because it offers a unique opportunity to showcase the people behind the idea or startup. But it’s not just a slide for decoration. Here’s why including a team slide is vital for your pitch deck:
“Your most important asset is not your idea, it’s the people you have on your team,” says venture capitalist, Tim Westergren.
1. Builds Credibility and Trust
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest,” says Benjamin Franklin.
And that’s what investors want. They want to see that the people behind a company have the expertise and experience needed to make it successful. The team slide allows you to showcase the skills, experience, and qualifications of your team members. This helps investors feel confident in the capabilities of your team, and can make all the difference in securing the funding you need.
2. Adds a Personal Touch
“People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories, and magic,” says Seth Godin.
Pitching an idea or startup can feel impersonal, especially if you’re presenting to investors who don’t know you or your team. The team slide is an opportunity to add a personal touch to your pitch.
By including photos of your team members, you can humanize your pitch and show the personalities behind the idea.
3. Demonstrates Team Dynamics
“Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people,” says Steve Jobs.
Investors don’t just want to see that your team members have the qualifications and experience needed to make your startup successful. They also want to know that your team works well together and can execute on your company’s vision. The team slide can give investors an idea of the dynamics within your team, which can be helpful in determining whether your team is the right fit for their investment.
When creating your team slide, make sure to include the names and headshots of each team member, along with their job titles and a brief description of their experience and qualifications. You may also want to include any relevant education, awards, or accolades. At Slideckly, we believe that having photos on the slide is crucial for adding a personal touch to your pitch.
The team slide is a crucial element of any pitch deck. By showcasing the expertise, experience, and personalities of your team members, you can build credibility and trust with potential investors and demonstrate that your team has what it takes to make your company a success. Make sure to take the time to craft a compelling team slide that showcases your team’s strengths and sets you apart from the competition.
As Mark Zuckerberg once said, “Nothing influences people more than a recommendation from a trusted friend. One trusted recommendation is worth more than any advertisement.”
So, let your team slide be the trusted friend that recommends your team’s expertise and experience to investors.
