These Pitching Insights Will Inform You How To Get Funding in 2025 

If it looks like each new startup calls itself an AI firm, you’re not imagining it. 

New evaluation of over 30,000 pitch decks, performed by enterprise capital agency Gasoline Ventures, has discovered that 86% of all pitches point out AI, usually with out precise AI tech.

It’s one in every of a variety of tendencies which have taken over pitching decks prior to now yr, in keeping with Gasoline Ventures.

With enterprise capital at present briefly provide within the UK, we unpack the remainder of the findings beneath to offer you a full pitching cheat sheet.

Each startup is an AI startup now

Cautious phrase alternative is necessary for any catchy enterprise title. One of many standout findings from Gasoline Ventures’ newest report is simply how prevalent AI has develop into in startup pitches.

An enormous 86% of the 30,000 pitch decks analysed talked about AI, up 20% from final yr. 

Apparently, not all of those startups are literally utilizing AI of their merchandise or operations, however they point out it anyway. Different widespread buzzwords popping up embody:

• “Disruption” – 61%
• “Scale” – 52%
• “Sustainability” – 45%
• “Pivot” – 32%

Buzzwords could be tempting. They assist present that you simply’re tapped into tendencies and infrequently pack a punch. In any case, they turned widespread for a motive. 

However more and more, they’re getting used as bait, and seasoned enterprise capitalists can inform the distinction between performative and genuine use. Overreliance on scorching phrases like AI may provide help to get a foot within the door, however it could actually additionally make you mix into the gang. 

If everybody’s claiming to be “disruptive” and “AI-powered,” how does anybody stand out?

A greater strategy is to be particular. When you’re genuinely an AI startup, be sure that to again up your claims with clear use circumstances, measurable achievements, and a novel angle. 

What do profitable pitches have in widespread?

The report additionally exhibits that 76% of funded decks got here from groups with co-founders, not solo founders. This implies traders are valuing collaboration, whether or not which means bringing on a co-founder, advisory companion, or just constructing a robust assist community.

Pitches from entrepreneurs over 40 are up 35%, difficult the stereotype that solely youthful founders get funded. That is encouraging information for extra skilled enterprise homeowners. Effectively-earned perception, community, and lived expertise are actual property, and traders are beginning to recognise that. 

The variety of female-founded pitches has grown 45% general. Whereas there’s nonetheless progress to be made, this shift exhibits a transparent want for extra various management within the startup house. 

Startups exterior London are booming. This implies that regional innovation is being taken significantly, and plenty of traders are broadening their search throughout the UK.

Pitch submissions spike in January and September (+9% and +10%), seemingly as a result of founders deal with these months as pure contemporary begins. When you’re planning to launch or pitch, aligning with these rhythms may put you in the most effective place.

Speaking of timing, Tuesdays are your finest wager. Pitches despatched on a Tuesday are 18% extra prone to get a follow-up than these despatched on a Friday. It is sensible. Most individuals are extra in work mode on a Tuesday versus a Friday, and traders are clearly no completely different. 

Enjoyable reality: the shortest pitch deck was simply three slides, and the longest was 127 — neither obtained funded. The takeaway? It’s not about how a lot you say, however the way you say it. 

Finally, the report exhibits that traders are more and more opting to again founders with expertise, sturdy partnerships, and various backgrounds, not simply flashy slides or trend-chasing. 

The enterprise capital scenario right now

Whereas the report on pitch decks reveals loads of optimistic tendencies, there’s a extra worrying tackle the state of enterprise capital right now if we have a look at the larger image. 

Enterprise capital funding is on the decline, each within the UK and globally. Financial uncertainty, larger rates of interest, and cautious traders have created a tighter funding atmosphere. 

This has hit UK tech startups significantly laborious, with high-profile examples like Deliveroo’s sale to DoorDash, highlighting how tough it may be to scale on residence soil.

Nonetheless, all isn’t misplaced. Traders could also be extra selective, however they haven’t misplaced religion in UK entrepreneurship. This shift may result in extra considerate, resilient companies constructed on substance over hype.

On the subject of profitable pitching, Mark Pearson, founding father of Gasoline Ventures, says: “Each pitch deck tells a narrative, some higher than others. 

We’re lucky to have a front-row seat to the ambition, creativity, and resilience amongst the subsequent technology of entrepreneurs – it’s one thing that actually doesn’t get previous.”