This document provides guidance for entrepreneurs pitching their startup to angel investors. It advises that the pitch should be concise, focusing on the founding team, the problem the startup solves, its product or service, and go-to-market strategy. The pitch should demonstrate traction but also be candid about remaining challenges. It should use everyday language to clearly explain how investors can achieve returns and cover major elements of the business model within 10 slides.

1. Getting Funded –
What Our Members Look For In A Pitch
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels

2. Angel Audience
• They are experienced and
have seen many pitches
• You have 10-15 minutes to
present
• Focus on getting everyone’s
attention from the beginning
• Put yourself in their shoes
while preparing your pitch
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels

3. It’s All About You!
• The most important aspect of getting funding is the quality of
the people involved in the business
– Credible vision about how you will be successful
– Personal pride in what you are doing
– Passionate about your solution
– Straightforward to deal with
– Persistent but flexible approach
– Your ability to be specific is critical
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels

4. Short but Powerful Pitch
• Ten slides at most
•
•
•
•
Use everyday language and focus on benefits
Realize that our investors are interested in how they can exit
Cover the major elements of your business model
Be candid about areas that are “works in progress”
• Have a strong close
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels

5. Slide 1: People
• Founder bios
• Other key personnel
• Key required hires and rationale
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels

6. Slides 2 & 3:
Market Need or Problem Solved
• What is the problem and who has it?
• Is this a pain point solution or an unmet need?
• Business or consumer with specifics about their
profile
• Who is the user? Is there a different buyer?
• How big is this market? Is it growing? How big will it
be in three years? Cite any applicable third party
sources
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels

7. Slides 4 & 5:
Your Product/Service
•
•
•
•
•
Combination of what it is and needs met
Describe your product/service
Major customer benefits
Describe pain points it cures or gain points it creates
How is the customer solving this problem or meeting this
need today?
• Summary of competition
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels

8. Slide 6: Go-to-Market
• Pricing Model Overview
– Who is paying?
– What is the price point?
– Subscription or one time?
– Additional revenue streams?
• Marketing Approach
– Quick comments on creating demand
• Sales Model
– What is required for you to succeed in
terms of sales activities
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels

9. Slide 7: Traction
•
•
•
•
•
Revenue over the last twelve months
Number of active customers
Number of prospects that have seen the solution
Current sales funnel
Partner activity/endorsements
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels

10. Slides 8 & 9:
Critical Success Factors &
Milestones
• What needs to happen over the next 12-18 months
for you to be successful?
• Product Development
• Sales
• Marketing
• Operations
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels

11. Slide 10: Financials and Exit
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provide three year projection of sales
What is your pre-money valuation?
State any previous raises
Current burn rate
What is your ask for this round?
Use of proceeds should match Critical Success
Factors slides
• Describe potential exit strategies
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels

12. CO N TAC T
A P P LY FO R F U N D I N G
www.mapleleafangels.com
|
info@mapleleafangels.com |
416.646.6235 |
@mapleleafangels