💡Summary :
In the latest Understanding VC podcast, Kris Childress shares why many startups struggle with fundraising, often due to weak pitch storytelling. He emphasises that the entrepreneur, not just the pitch deck, is key to delivering an authentic and persuasive presentation. The discussion covers the purpose of a pitch, clear and honest persuasion, and types like cocktail party, networking, short-form, and investment pitches. Strategies for improvement include knowing the audience, vivid communication, and extensive practice. Childress highlights the importance of consistent delivery during Q&A sessions and suggests using visual elements like videos to enhance pitches while cautioning against risky live demos. He concludes that success often depends on the entrepreneur's likability and ability to connect, supported by credible proof of their product's value.
🕰️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Purpose of a Pitch
02:15 - Defining the Outcome of Your Pitch
05:32 - Elements of Persuasion in a Pitch
12:08 - Different Types of Pitches
17:57 - Core of a Great Pitch
21:29 - Crafting an Effective Pitch
24:27 - Structuring the Pitch for Funding
28:22 - Right People to Practice Pitch to
30:06 - What Investors Look for in Startups
33:30 - Structuring Your Pitch for Maximum Impact
38:39 - Handling Q&A Sessions Effectively
41:14 - How should you End the Pitch?
45:18 - How often should Startups change the Pitch as it Progresses
47:43 - Should you seek feedback after a pitch?
50:55 - Importance of Visuals and Demos in a Pitch
55:36 - You are the Pitch
01:00:01 - Conclusion
📍 About:
Kristav (Kris) Childress, is a seasoned mentor and entrepreneur with extensive experience guiding startups, particularly from academic and research settings. Currently a Mentor-in-Residence at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Enterprise Incubator, Kris has helped numerous ventures thrive through his expertise in business development and market strategy. Formerly the CEO of a cleantech startup, he has led Kris Consulting since 2008, assisting technology-driven companies in uncovering market opportunities. As a mentor at The Founder Institute since 2010, Kris has shaped successful startups like Zimplistic, PigeonHole Live, and Equatorial Space, blending visionary thinking with practical execution.
🍿 Watch next:
The ULTIMATE Series A Fundraising Playbook:
https://youtu.be/lrKxmYUgf78?feature=shared
The AI Hype Cycle: Where We Really Are vs. Where We Think We Are:
https://youtu.be/fwcMl0qERBg?feature=shared
🔗 Connect with Kris:
🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekris/
🔗 Follow us:
🏠Website : www.understandingvc.com
🤝🏻LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/understanding-vc/
🎧 Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1q7DxW3FEyP7EhH8m0VvAD?si=6fe22e782c7740d1
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/understanding-vc/id1551524895
💌 Connect with Rahul:
🤝🏻 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulthayyalamkandy/
📩 Email : rahul.thayyalamkandy@gmail.com
🐣 Twitter : https://x.com/rahul0720
📍 About :
Understanding VC is a podcast that provides founders with the knowledge and resources they need to understand venture capital. Our goal is to create the best and most comprehensive resource on venture capital on the internet, so that founders can make informed decisions about their businesses and secure the funding they need to succeed.
