equirus-logo

Pitch

What is Pitch?

A pitch is a concise presentation or proposal made by an entrepreneur, startup founder, investment banker, or company representative to potential investors, clients, or stakeholders with the goal of securing funding, partnerships, or business opportunities.

It’s the business world’s version of a first impression—a pitch must quickly and effectively convey what the idea is, why it matters, and why it’s worth backing.

Types of Pitches

1. Elevator Pitch

  • A short (30–60 seconds) version that summarizes your business or idea.
  • Named so because it should be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride.

2. Investor Pitch (Pitch Deck Presentation)

  • A more detailed presentation (typically 8–15 slides) aimed at raising capital from angel investors or venture capitalists.
  • Often includes problem, solution, market size, business model, team, traction, and financials.

3. Sales Pitch

  • Aimed at selling a product or service to a potential customer.

4. Banker’s Pitch

  • Used by investment banks to win mandates for IPOs, M&A deals, or fundraising.
  • Often includes industry insights, company valuation, and deal strategy.

Elements of a Good Investor Pitch

  1. Problem: What real pain point are you solving?
  2. Solution: How does your product or service fix it?
  3. Market Opportunity: How big is the target market?
  4. Business Model: How do you make money?
  5. Traction: Key milestones or growth achieved so far
  6. Team: Who are you and why are you best to do this?
  7. Financials: Revenue, projections, and funding requirements
  8. Ask: What are you seeking—how much money and for what use?

Example (Startup Pitch Opening)

“We’re solving the problem of food waste in restaurants using an AI-powered inventory system that’s already cut waste by 30% in our pilot clients. We’re seeking ₹2 crore in seed funding to expand across 100 locations in the next 12 months.”

Why Pitches Matter?

  • They help raise capital
  • Secure clients or business partners
  • Provide clarity and direction to your idea or business
  • Enable you to stand out in a competitive market

Pitch in the Indian Context

  • Common in startup accelerators, angel networks, and Shark Tank India-style forums
  • Early-stage Indian startups often pitch to angel investors and VCs through pitch decks
  • Investment banks in India also use formal pitch books to approach companies with IPO or acquisition ideas