Pitch competitions are a wonderful means for startups to achieve visibility and consciousness. They typically provide prizes comparable to money, providers, and introductions to key trade gamers. An important instance is the EU-Startups Pitch Competitors, which this 12 months contains a prize package deal valued at over €700K! So, how are you going to benefit from this chance?
As a pitch coach, I prefer to expertise what my purchasers undergo, so I’ve entered varied challenges myself. I’ve beforehand gained two competitions: Current Your Startup and the Dutch Freelancer of the Yr (FOTY) Awards. I’ve additionally coached greater than 40 pitch competitors winners, who’ve collectively secured over €9 million in funding.
Right here’s the precise course of these profitable, competition-winning startups adopted. Begin together with your viewers:
1. What are the judging standards?
Focusing in your product and tech is tempting, however you stand a a lot better probability of success by telling a narrative that connects with the jury’s pursuits.
I’ve been on competitors juries—it’s a blur! You take heed to pitch after pitch with restricted time to make notes. Something in a startup’s pitch that resonates with a jury’s pursuits is extra more likely to seize their consideration. Nearly all the time, there’s a revealed set of standards for the jury to attain the pitching groups. Discover out what these standards are and guarantee your pitch covers all the important thing factors.
On the FOTY Awards, one of many judges informed me: “You have been one of many few contestants to comply with the factors and embrace the whole lot.” The judging standards must be your North Star.
2. What’s your goal?
Naturally, you need to win! However what should you don’t? Are you trying to join with buyers, companions, or journalists? Getting clear in your goal will form your name to motion and components of your content material.
A easy QR code in your final slide is a great option to get the viewers to take motion and join with you by way of your web site or LinkedIn.
3. How lengthy do you could have?
Managing time is crucial. I as soon as watched a pitch competitors in Estonia the place over a 3rd of startups failed to complete inside their three-minute time restrict, forcing the MC to chop them off mid-sentence. Don’t let this occur to you!
For a three-minute pitch, it’s best to:
- Converse at a price of 150 phrases per minute (a complete of 450 phrases).
- Restrict your self to 25–27 sentences.
- Intention for 420 phrases to permit for pure pacing and keep away from speeding.
As soon as your pitch is drafted, check it towards a timer. If you happen to’re operating over, trim non-essential content material. Readability and conciseness all the time win over info overload.
A profitable pitch isn’t an investor pitch deck—it’s a concise, high-impact presentation that captures consideration rapidly. Keep away from deep dives into market measurement, competitor evaluation, and five-year projections. As a substitute, deal with these core parts:
4. Give attention to the important thing content material for a brief pitch
Cowl the necessities that seize a jury’s consideration in a brief pitch:
- An enormous unsolved downside
- A product that seems to resolve that downside
- One large distinctive side that makes your product stand out
Adopted by:
- Traction or validation
- Why your group is the fitting one to succeed
- A transparent ask—what would you like from the viewers?
In most pitch competitions, there will probably be a Q&A. In the event that they need to know extra about market measurement, competitors, or enterprise mannequin, they’ll ask. Until they clearly perceive what downside you clear up, the way you clear up it, and your progress, they gained’t have vital curiosity in what you are promoting.
5. Don’t open PowerPoint—seize some Submit-its!
When constructing your pitch storyline, keep away from opening previous pitch decks, shuffling slides, and hacking collectively content material from previous shows. As a substitute:
- Brainstorm broadly—checklist the whole lot you could possibly say.
- Choose for high quality—establish key subjects and key messages for every.
6. Make a script—sure, actually!
Primarily based in your Submit-it storyline, write a script. You would possibly assume, “Gained’t a script make me sound robotic?” However one of the best actors, comedians, and musicians all rehearse their traces. As soon as the story is in your head, you’ll be able to:
- Emphasise key phrases
- Join with the content material emotionally
- Guarantee your supply is pure
If you happen to grasp the content material, you’ll be able to management your voice and power to spotlight what really issues.
7. Begin large! Get them straight into the story.
There’s no time for an extended “Thanks” to the organisers or telling the viewers how laborious you’ve labored. Keep in mind: Each second counts! Begin with worth in your first sentence. Ask your self:
- What downside are you fixing?
- How large is that downside?
- Do you could have a shocking statistic or a contemporary tackle a identified subject?
A robust opening alerts confidence and preparation.
8. Finish with Affect
A weak ending kills even one of the best pitches. Keep away from trailing off with: “Properly, that’s my final slide, so… I suppose I’m completed… um… any questions?”
As a substitute, end with a transparent, assured conclusion. The very last thing you say is the very first thing they may bear in mind. And all the time end with a powerful, clear “Thanks!”—this alerts to the viewers that it’s time to applaud.
9. Create visually partaking slides
This isn’t a conventional pitch deck that you just ship to buyers. As a substitute, you’re creating visible help to your spoken story. Your slides ought to:
- Spotlight key messages
- Include minimal textual content
- Use sturdy photos and icons
Readability wins over completeness.
10. Get Suggestions & Follow Relentlessly
Merely enthusiastic about your pitch gained’t enhance it. Say it out loud, report your self, and search suggestions from a trusted advisor. Ask them:
- What stood out?
- What was unclear?
- Do you could have any recommendation primarily based on my viewers and goal?
After getting suggestions, refine your pitch and observe like loopy!
Earlier than the Current Your Startup closing, I did 36 full run-throughs of my three-minute pitch. It was exhausting, but it surely paid off once I delivered one of the best model of my story.
Closing Ideas
An important pitch competitors isn’t nearly profitable—it’s a possibility to make invaluable connections, appeal to PR, and refine your messaging.
So put together, observe, and ship your finest efficiency. Who is aware of? You would possibly simply stroll away with the trophy. Good luck together with your competitors pitch!
