A few months back, I sat through 16 startup pitches at a local accelerator demo day. Want to know something interesting?
I can only remember three of them clearly. These weren't bad pitches - most founders had solid metrics, clear slides, and decent presentation skills. But only three managed to leave a lasting impression.
This got me thinking about what makes some pitches stick while others fade into the background.
The Reality Check
If you're raising funds right now, here's a sobering fact: investors typically see 2000+ pitches per year. That's roughly 40 pitches every week. And they might only invest in 10-15 companies total.
One founder I mentored recently said, "I thought having great numbers would be enough." He had impressive traction, but after several meetings that went nowhere, he realized something crucial: being memorable matters just as much as metrics.
Being Memorable
This is where the concept of Being Memorable comes in. It's not about gimmicks or theatrics - it's about intentionally crafting your pitch to stick in investors' minds long after you leave the room.
The Strategy
1. Craft Your Narrative Hook
The best pitches I've seen start with an unexpected twist or with a personal story.. That is definitely something that will make everyone sit up straight.
Here's 4 ways on how to create your hook:
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Start with the unexpected
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Challenge a common assumption
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Share a compelling personal story that ties to your mission
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Present a surprising market insight
2. Build Your Memory Anchors
Think of memory anchors as the mental sticky notes you want investors to walk away with.
Create your anchors through:
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Vivid analogies with unexpected twists
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Clear customer journey
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Concrete examples that illustrate abstract concepts
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Visual metaphors that simplify complex ideas
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Memorable statistics presented in relatable terms
3. Strategic Contrast
The human brain remembers contrasts better than isolated facts. Use this to your advantage:
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Before vs. After scenarios
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Industry standard vs. Your innovation
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Competitor approach vs. Your unique method
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Problem magnitude vs. Solution elegance
4. Use Visuals that Pop
Ditch the boring slides.
Create visuals that are striking, memorable, and aligned with your brand.
5. Show Authentic Passion 🔥
Let your enthusiasm shine through. Investors want to back founders who are truly excited about their mission.
Easy ways to do this is by
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Using pauses
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Raising your voice or lowering it when you want to emphasize
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Eye contact with everyone
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Dare to smile - because it is contagious
6. Craft Your Signature Close
End with what I call a "Future Flash" - a vivid glimpse of the world once your solution reaches scale. Make it concrete, compelling, and connected to the investor's interests.
Your Next Steps
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Record yourself giving your current pitch
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Identify the most memorable moment
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Build more moments like that one
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Test your pitch on someone outside your industry
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Ask them what they remember 24 hours later
Remember, fundraising is about more than just the numbers. It's about connecting with investors on an emotional level and making them truly care about your vision.
By incorporating these tips, you can transform a standard pitch into an unforgettable experience. The goal isn't to be memorable for memorability's sake. It's about making your core message stick so deeply that when investors review their notes later, your company stands out as the obvious choice.
A Final Thought
Every investor I know has a story about "the pitch they'll never forget." They often tell these stories years later. Your goal isn't just to get funded - it's to become one of those stories.