Sample Seed pitch deck: Terra One's $7.5m deck| TechCrunch
Terra One’s pitch deck has a few wins, but also a few misses. Here’s how to fix that.
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Terra One’s pitch deck has a few wins, but also a few misses. Here’s how to fix that.
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Decks are all about telling a compelling story and Goodcarbon does a good job on that front. But there’s important information missing too.
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
The deck included some redacted numbers, but there was still enough data to get a good picture.
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Geodesic.Life, a Ukraine-based startup, is challenging the traditional notions of housing by introducing affordable, eco-friendly prefabricated dome homes. This concept addresses two pressing global concerns: the need for accessible housing and the urgency of environmental preservation. By normalizing sustainable living practices, Geodesic aims to make a positive impact on both individuals and the planet. The company just closed a small, $500,000 friends and family round to bring its vision to life.
The startup’s dome homes offer several advantages. They are significantly more affordable than conventional housing options, making them an attractive choice for individuals, families and communities with limited financial resources. The homes are also designed with sustainability in mind: They are constructed using eco-friendly materials, have a low carbon footprint and are energy-efficient. This not only reduces the environmental impact of housing but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable living solutions.
The startup shared its 13-slide deck with TechCrunch, so let’s dive in and see what we can see.
We’re looking for more unique pitch decks to tear down, so if you want to submit your own, here’s how you can do that.
While Geodesic’s deck impresses with its aesthetic design, featuring a tasteful color palette, appealing illustrations and a concise text, it does have some crucial shortcomings.
Geodesic’s pitch deck was quite impressive, particularly in how it connected problems with solutions, showcasing the company’s innovative approach and commitment to sustainability with solid data.
[Slide 9] A great, clearly defined beachhead market is a good way to get a toehold for your business. Image Credits: Geodesic.Life
This slide contains useful information, but it lacks some critical details about the targeted market. For instance, Geodesic has yet to identify the specific homebuyers within this sector who will be targeted first. Despite this, the presentation provides a solid overview of what Geodesic aims to capture and positions the company within national, continental and global markets.
This clear contextualization of the target market is essential because the specific focus on “turn-key prefab in the Stockholm area” is relatively modest in scope. However, the opportunity for growth is significant, which should appeal to investors.
[Slide 7] Highlighting how the company is different is a helpful starting point for conversation. Image Credits: Geodesic.Life
Geodesic did a good job with this slide. The way the company linked the problem slide to the solution slide is storytelling at its finest, and it goes to show that you can be creative on this front. Geodesic didn’t just point out a big environmental issue with traditional housebuilding; the company also showed how Geodesic’s innovative approach is a game-changer. This clear and logical flow makes it super easy for investors to grasp both the problem’s scale and the solution’s impact.
Adding specific, measurable data about the environmental benefits of the building methods is also smart. These numbers really back up the claims about reducing carbon footprints and underline the company’s commitment to sustainability. This data-driven angle not only boosts Geodesic’s credibility but also highlights the dedication to making a real difference in the construction industry. It’s obvious that Geodesic isn’t just throwing around a cool idea — it’s putting forward a practical solution with solid environmental results to show for it.
The deck has several areas for improvement beyond a nearly duplicated competition slide. Additionally, it lacks slides requesting funding and detailing the go-to-market strategy. I would like to elaborate on the following points:
The absence of pricing information on this deck hinders understanding of both the production costs and homebuyer purchase prices.
Including a pricing slide in your pitch deck is crucial for several reasons, especially when presenting to potential investors, because it touches so many parts of the narrative. Here’s why it matters:
In short, a pricing slide is not just about showing numbers but is a strategic element that communicates the viability and potential of your business model to investors. It’s an essential part of the story that convinces them why now is the right time to invest in your startup.
[Slide 8] This is a brainstorm, not a business model. Image Credits: Geodesic.Life
Closely related to the previous point: Pricing is one side of the business model, but there are many more parts to the puzzle. Geodesic doesn’t do a good job here.
The business model slide is very light on details, and the details that are there are a little confusing. It is difficult to understand the exact idea behind the flow of money through this business. However, it appears that the idea is for developers to build communities of prefabricated constructions. That’s great, but it’s not clear who the customers are for these prefabricated communities. Municipalities may be customers, as they might be interested in building social or affordable housing together with community buildings. However, private developers could also be customers, and perhaps they’re interested in building these communities for sale or rent. Without more information, it is difficult to assess the feasibility of this business model.
Having a solid business model is key to winning over investors. It shows them you’ve got a clear plan for making money and keeping the business growing over the long haul. Investors are all about seeing a good return on their investment, and a sharp business model lays out exactly how your startup will bring in cash, keep costs down and scale up.
By detailing your strategy for getting customers, setting prices and staying ahead of the competition, you’re demonstrating a smart, strategic approach to building a thriving business. This kind of clarity also lowers the risk for investors, as they can see the specific steps you’ll take to hit financial goals.
[Slide 13] Yeah, but who are these folks, and why should I invest in them? Image Credits: Geodesic Life
The team slide in a pitch deck is fundamentally important because it showcases the individuals behind the company, emphasizing their expertise, experience and ability to execute the business plan. For investors, the team’s background and cohesion often outweigh the initial product idea since a strong team is seen as capable of pivoting and adapting to achieve success, even as challenges arise. The team slide provides a snapshot of the collective skills, industry knowledge and entrepreneurial history that the founders and key personnel bring to the table. It helps investors gauge the team’s understanding of the market, their problem-solving capabilities and their commitment to the venture. Therefore, ensuring this slide effectively communicates the team’s strengths is crucial.
For Geodesic, several issues need to be addressed to enhance the effectiveness of the team slide. Including too many people on the slide can dilute the focus from key players who are pivotal to the startup’s success. Limit the slide to core team members — typically founders and key executives — who directly influence major business outcomes.
Also, listing names, photos and job titles does not provide enough context about why these individuals are uniquely qualified to succeed in this venture. Investors need to understand what each team member specifically brings to the table in terms of relevant expertise, past entrepreneurial successes or industry experience.
It’s vital to demonstrate a strong founder-market fit, showing clear reasons why your team, above others, is capable of addressing what the market needs and navigating the complexities of the industry. Include brief highlights of previous roles, startup experience and specific achievements that align directly with the goals and challenges of your current venture. This approach will offer a clearer and more compelling picture of your team’s capabilities, enhancing investor confidence in your company’s potential.
If you want your own pitch deck teardown featured on TechCrunch, here’s more information. Also, check out all our Pitch Deck Teardowns all collected in one handy place for you!
Xpanceo is betting big on turning us all into cyborgs with smart contact lenses, securing a cool $40 million to make our sci-fi dreams a reality. Co-founders Roman Axelrod and Valentyn S. Volkov are on a mission to ditch traditional gadgets and make everyone’s eyes the new screens. Who needs smartphones when you can blink to browse? As they push the boundaries of what’s possible with optoelectronics and new materials, one can’t help but wonder if we’re heading toward a future where losing your contacts could mean missing your next Zoom meeting.
We’re looking for more unique pitch decks to tear down, so if you want to submit your own, here’s how you can do that.
Xpanceo has shared its complete presentation deck, consisting of 19 slides, with TechCrunch. Although the slide list suggests that the team has covered everything, a closer look at the deck’s contents reveals that some areas might not be as comprehensive as they seem.
There’s a lot of really good storytelling happening here.
[Slide 2] A clear problem statement. Image Credits: Xpanceo
The presentation effectively begins with a clear problem statement, setting the stage for a focused discussion on the challenges and opportunities in the realm of augmented reality (AR) and wearable technology. This explanation is crucial, as it immediately frames the issues that Xpanceo is addressing with its innovative smart contact lens project. By articulating the problems upfront, the deck ensures that the audience understands the context and significance of the technology being developed, which is essential for garnering support and enthusiasm for the project. I love that.
The inclusion of a timeline detailing the evolution of computing technology within the presentation is particularly clever. This historical perspective not only educates the audience about the progression and milestones in computing but also situates Xpanceo’s work within a larger narrative of technological advancement — and many of those advancements made a lot of investors very wealthy indeed.
Addressing the shortcomings of AR as it stands, the presentation acknowledges that the tech has not yet achieved widespread adoption primarily due to poor product offerings that have failed to resonate with consumers. This is true, and it shows that Xpanceo is aware of the hurdles faced by previous AR technologies and is committed to overcoming these challenges.
[Slide 3] Easing into the “solution” is a great approach. Image Credits: Xpanceo
There’s a big difference between a “solution” and a “product” slide. Xpanceo’s take here is refreshingly clear on the differences.
The solution slide is strategic in nature, emphasizing a broader, more adaptable approach rather than focusing solely on the product. This strategic mindset is crucial, as it shifts the emphasis from the specifics of the product to the underlying philosophy of problem-solving.
I love that the solution is articulated in a clear and accessible way, deliberately avoiding excessive detail. This clarity is essential for communicating effectively with stakeholders, including investors, potential customers and team members. By keeping the solution straightforward and easy to understand, the team ensures that everyone involved has a solid grasp of the core concept and objectives. This level of transparency fosters trust and alignment among all parties, which is important for collaborative efforts and the overall success of the project.
From there, you can drop into the details: the product.
Again, Xpanceo does a great job:
[Slide 4] This slide draws investors in. Image Credits: Xpanceo
The product slide does an excellent job of presenting the product in a clear and engaging manner, avoiding the common pitfall of descending into overly technical language that can alienate or confuse the audience. This approach is particularly powerful given the complex nature of the technology involved.
Smart contact lenses that integrate advanced computing capabilities directly into the user’s visual field feels like magic. Still, by maintaining straightforward and accessible language, the slide ensures that the innovation can be understood and appreciated by a broad audience, which is crucial for generating interest and support among potential investors.
I particularly love how this clarity helps set the stage for deeper discussions, all without getting lost in the complex technological language that no doubt happens in the lab. It strikes the right balance between simplicity and informativeness.
This deck is really good. But is it perfect?
Nope. Let’s dive in.
What? Image Credits: Getty Images
The biggest problem with the Xpanceo deck isn’t what is in there, but rather what isn’t.
One critical element missing from the deck is the “ask” slide, which is essential when seeking venture capital funding. It’s surprising how often founders overlook this component in their pitch decks. When raising money, it’s not the time to be reticent or indirect. Clearly stating what is being asked for — be it staffing, resources or partnerships — demonstrates to potential investors a well-thought-out plan and a serious commitment to the startup’s future. This helps investors quickly understand the needs and assess whether they align with their investment criteria.
Including a specific ask in the presentation also conveys that there is a realistic understanding of what the startup requires to succeed. It shows that careful consideration has been given to how much funding is needed, what it will be used for, and how it will help the company achieve its goals. This level of detail and transparency adds credibility to the pitch and instills confidence in potential investors about the management and planning capabilities. It positions the entrepreneurs as serious individuals who are not merely experimenting but are committed to building a sustainable business.
Slides 6 and 7 make a case for both a B2B and a B2C model. That’s not a great call.
[Slide 6] A use-case brainstorm is clever, but it’s important to come up with the real use cases that drive the investment decision. Image Credits: Xpanceo
B2B and B2C business models are fundamentally different beasts. Very few companies are able to do well with one strategy, never mind both.
B2C sales are distinguished by direct interactions with individual consumers, focusing on emotional engagement, brand identity, and creating personalized customer experiences. This model thrives on short sales cycles and immediate purchase decisions, making it crucial for companies to invest in understanding consumer behaviors and crafting marketing strategies that resonate on a personal level. Even if companies occasionally purchase under a B2C model, they should be treated as consumers in the sales process to maintain simplicity and efficiency in marketing efforts.
Conversely, B2B sales involve more complex transactions with other businesses, characterized by longer sales cycles, higher transaction values, and a focus on practical benefits and cost-effectiveness. This model requires strong, credible relationships and often involves customized solutions to meet specific business needs. While it’s less common, consumers may sometimes engage with products designed for business use, highlighting the flexibility required in sales strategies. Ultimately, focusing on a B2B or B2C sales organization should align with the startup’s core capabilities and strategic goals, shaping the narrative in their startup pitch to attract potential investors.
Trying to do both won’t work, so pick one, and explain why that’s the right choice.
[Slide 9] Sure, there are a lot of contact lens users. But are they really a proxy for Xpanceo customers? Image Credits: Xpanceo
When assessing the potential market size for Xpanceo’s contact lenses, it’s crucial to differentiate the nature of the product from traditional contact lenses. Or, put differently: Is the market for Xpanceo’s product people who are already wearing contacts? The company seems to think that everyone who wears contacts wants smart contacts. But that’s probably not accurate.
Xpanceo’s offerings are not merely an alternative to spectacles for optical correction but rather function as a wearable device. This distinction is significant because the target market for Xpanceo may not align directly with the existing base of contact lens users. Instead of evaluating the total number of contact lens wearers, a more relevant metric might be the usage of related technology such as smartphones or smartwatches, which reflects a tech-savvy consumer base more likely to adopt new wearable technologies. This approach can help in identifying not just a broad audience, but also one that is more likely to embrace innovative products.
Xpanceo’s go-to-market strategy plays a pivotal role in determining its primary consumer segment. If the product is designed for mass market consumption, the strategy should focus on identifying and engaging an early adopter group. This group typically consists of tech enthusiasts who are keen on exploring and adopting cutting-edge technologies. These early adopters could provide the initial traction needed to penetrate the market, acting as influencers and validators for the broader consumer base. Their feedback is also invaluable when it comes to refining the product and enhancing its appeal to subsequent buyers.
I think the company is trying to show that its market is huge, but I doubt that contact lens wearers are a proxy. I wear contacts, but only when I’m doing contact sports (martial arts or scuba diving). But even if I had never worn contacts a day of my life, I’d be eager to try the Xpanceo solution.
I think the company is trying to compare oranges to Apple computers.
If you want your own pitch deck teardown featured on TechCrunch, here’s more information. Also, check out all our Pitch Deck Teardowns all collected in one handy place for you!
Founded in 2017, Atoms Lanka Solutions is a provider of IT consulting and software development services. Throughout the company’s history, we have worked with over 160 customers from 5+ countries..
