How to make your startup stand out in a crowded market, according to investors

DailyTech Dissecting Pitch Decks: What Works and What Doesn’t

At DailyTech Disrupt, three investors shared their insights on pitch decks. Jyoti Bansal, Medha Agarwal, and Jennifer Neundorfer discussed the dos and don’ts of pitching to investors.

One common pet peeve they highlighted was the excessive use of buzzwords in pitch decks.

Agarwal pointed out that founders who overemphasize terms like AI may not actually leverage such technologies effectively. She emphasized the importance of authenticity and innovation in pitching ideas.

Bansal, drawing from his experience as a successful entrepreneur turned investor, outlined three key questions investors consider. These questions revolve around market potential, founder uniqueness, and validation through traction with customers.

The panel also discussed strategies for AI startups to stand out in a crowded market. Domain expertise, competitive differentiation, and enabling new behaviors were highlighted as crucial factors.

Agarwal advised founders to focus on explaining how AI enhances their product, developing clear go-to-market strategies, and showcasing efficiency compared to incumbents.

Neundorfer highlighted the importance of enabling new behaviors rather than just incremental improvements. She stressed the need for startups to differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape.

In navigating the evolving landscape, Agarwal recommended staying informed about industry trends, while Neundorfer suggested staying connected to founder networks for valuable insights.

Bansal’s straightforward advice to founders was to prioritize building their product above all else.