At Story99, we’ve worked with several B2B, Tech & Deeptech startups to help them improve / build their fundraise narratives (seed, series A and Series B). Many went ahead and raised capital successfully.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3WvacO3PVw
We’ve also helped some VCs in their own marketing efforts, and for at least one of them, we worked with them to improve their LP focus fundraise narrative and deck.
Beyond the narrative & storytelling, the final design / aesthetics of the deck is also taken care of.
To understand this service in detail and the exact operating model (+ some work reference), just drop an email to [email protected] or block a 30 min meeting via Calendly. All the best in your fundraising efforts.
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Story99.com is a Branding & Storytelling Consultancy for B2B, Tech & Deeptech
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The following needs to weaved together in a storytelling format so that they flow well. Usually the prospective investor wants to understand the market-size early on (because if it’s not big enough, then the other stuff doesn’t much matter).
| Elements (not in order) | Description |
|---|---|
| Credibility elements | Name dropping (college, investors, brand-name past employers, famous advisors, some great traction / revenue no etc) |
| Core Thesis / Context | What change is creating the business opportunity? |
| Problem | Explain the problem / need in the market - who is facing the problem, what is the proof that it it’s really big and people are willing to pay for it? |
| Solution | Explain the solution / how we meet the said need + how is our solution positioned (could also show a with / without scenario) and what makes our solution better than others |
| Traction | What have we already achieved - numbers, charts, quotes, awards? |
| Market opportunity | How big is the opportunity - today and in future? (source?) |
| Why now? | Why is now a good time for a business like this? |
| Alternatives / Competition | What are other ways in which the TG is solving its problem / meeting its needs today? Draw the terrain - where do we stand? How is that a strength |
| GTM strategy | ICP, Persona, approach, typical lead to conversion timelines, how does land and expand work (highlight present wedge) |
| Revenue Model (could be annexure) | Self-explanatory |
| The team | How does the team ensure a higher likelihood of success? |
| Roadmap | How will the solution / business / GTM evolve over time (with explanation) |
| Fundraise ask | Self-explanatory (also make it clear how the fresh capital will be deployed) |
| Annexure - product related relevant details | Self-explanatory |
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To successfully raise capital, founders need to transition their mindset from trying to win individual customers to presenting themselves as the inevitable winners of a massive market opportunity.
Target Partners, Not Firms: A partner at a Series A or B firm typically leads only one to three deals per year. So it makes sense to identify the right partner (than just the firm). Scan their portfolio for similar business models. Researching their track record. Assessing their internal influence at the firm. Things like that.
Generate "Burning Questions": Before opening any presentation software, systematically list the 10 to 15 toughest questions an investor could ask about your business, such as
Our job is to use the answers to form the backbone of the narrative. The flow of the pitch should ensure the VCs ask the right questions and our answer brings us closer to the term-sheet.
A high-performing pitch deck typically contains between 15 and 30 slides, balancing rigorous data with emotional resonance. The structure should flow logically: