The Importance of a Pitch Deck: How to Impress Angel Investors and VC's and Secure Funding

When it comes to securing funding from angel investors and venture capitalists (VC's), having a strong pitch deck is essential. A pitch deck is a visual presentation that outlines your business idea, value proposition, target market, competition, financial projections, and team. It's a powerful tool that can help you communicate your vision, passion, and expertise in a clear and concise way.

According to a recent study by DocSend, a document sharing platform for businesses, the average investor spends only 2 minutes and 24 seconds reviewing a pitch deck. This means that you have a very limited amount of time to make a strong impression and convince investors that your business is worth their time and money.

Furthermore, an earlier study also found that pitch decks that received funding had an average length of 19 pages, while those that didn't receive funding had an average length of 42 pages. This suggests that brevity and clarity are crucial when it comes to pitch decks, and that investors are more interested in the quality of your content rather than the quantity.

Another study by Harvard Business Review revealed that the top three factors that investors consider when evaluating a pitch are the strength of the management team, the size of the potential market, and the uniqueness of the product or service. A well-crafted pitch deck can address all of these factors and help you stand out from the crowd.

At BairdTech, we understand the importance of a strong pitch deck for startups seeking funding. We have worked with numerous startups over the years, helping them fine-tune their pitch decks or partnered with them to create them from scratch.

Our Founder can help you identify your key value propositions, develop a compelling story, and create a visually stunning presentation that captures the attention of investors. We can also provide valuable feedback and insights on your pitch, helping you refine and improve it over time.

Although we cannot guarantee funding, we have been known to leverage our extensive network of contacts in the tech industry to help you connect with potential investors and increase your chances of securing funding.

We know that a strong pitch deck is essential for startups seeking funding from angel investors and VC's. By focusing on brevity, clarity, and quality, you can make a powerful impression and increase your chances of success.

At BairdTech, we are committed to helping startups achieve their goals and realize their full potential.

From Fashion to Function: How Tech & Fashion/Beauty are more similar than you may think.

They say that nothing is ever wasted. This will explain why on my LinkedIn profile I am a self proclaimed Beauty & Fashion enthusiast. For nearly 20yrs, I worked for L’Oreal in their Professional Brands Division in various positions: education, product development, and creative direction. To be honest, I've always kept my eye close on the tech world, and would find a way to implement new tech in my positions (from digital mood boards to social media engagement). This past year at Baird Tech and working with tech startups, it's really opened my eyes to so many parallels in both industries. With NYFW is going on now in real time, here is how tech & fashion actually share several similarities.

1. INNOVATION & IMPROVEMENT: Betterment isn’t just in performance, it’s creating something that the consumer didn’t know what they themselves needed or desired. Whether you are targeting organizations or individuals, initial innovation needs to happen, then consistent improvement is post development.
   

2. DATA DRIVEN DECISIONS: As we know, development & production is expensive, so the insight of data & analytics is a critical part of RDI, then into marketing & distribution strategies.
   

3. CUSTOMER-CENTRIC: Both industries focus on creating a personalized and convenient customer experience through the use of technology i.e. social media, e-commerce, and the convenience of mobile apps.
   

4. SUSTAINABILITY: Let’s talk packaging - there’s plastics, metals, reactionary chemicals… all play a part in both industries. Both spaces are working hard to develop minimal or recyclable waste without not only compromising, but yet improving performance in product.
   

5. BRANDING & AESTHETICS: Apple is the epitome of branding and aesthetics when comes to tech. Think about most acquisitions - the branding & vision is so clear, whether it’s Beats headphones or a haircare/Make Up brand. Broad or niche, taste & image always matter. Even if you think it isn’t in tech (ask a UI engineer, its critically important), it’s the first point of the user experience. Fashion there are different tastes & likes… music too. It’s all connected.
   

6. MARKETING & GLOBAL REACH: Let’s be honest, both industries always have a goal of a global presence. Thankfully with a lot of hard work, smart innovation, pleasing aesthetics, and high performance, products and services can be sold and distributed worldwide.

Although fashion & beauty tends to lean towards being extraverted whereas tech leans introverted, they both pay great attention to detail. I look forward to continuing this new journey in tech and bring a fresh perspective over into the space!

(Some fun behind the scenes from various Fashion Week seasons in NYC)

Stay Ahead: 5 Ways to Thrive During a Layoff Crisis

The job market can be a difficult place, especially during times of economic uncertainty and layoffs. When a company is facing budget cuts, it can be easy for employees to feel uncertain about their future and worry about losing their job. However, it's important to remember that there are still many things to be positive about, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Here are five ways to stay positive and get through tough times in the job market.

1. Focus on what you can control: One of the biggest sources of stress during a period of layoffs is the uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds. While you can't control whether your company will go through a round of layoffs, you can control your own reactions and attitudes. Focus on the things that you can control, such as maintaining a positive outlook, developing new skills, and building relationships with coworkers and industry professionals.

2. Network and make connections: Networking can be a valuable tool during a period of layoffs. Not only can it help you stay connected to others in your industry, but it can also lead to new job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and reach out to former colleagues and contacts to stay connected and informed.

3. Invest in yourself: Layoffs can be an opportunity to invest in yourself and your career. Use this time to upskill and improve your marketability by taking courses, attending workshops, and learning new technologies. By investing in yourself, you'll be better prepared for the next opportunity that comes your way.

4. Practice gratitude: It can be easy to become overwhelmed by negative thoughts during a period of layoffs. To combat this, practice gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Write down three things you're thankful for each day, and reflect on the experiences and relationships that bring you joy.

5. Stay active and engage in self-care: Physical activity and self-care are essential for maintaining a positive outlook and managing stress. Exercise regularly, eat well, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, meditating, or spending time with loved ones.

Layoffs can be a challenging time, but there are still many things to be positive about. By focusing on what you can control, networking, investing in yourself, practicing gratitude, and staying active and engaged in self-care, you can stay positive and get through tough times in the job market.