Video Pitches for VCs: Stop Sending Cold Decks

The Reality of Pitch Deck Reviews

Consider this situation: your pitch deck is finalized, and you're preparing to initiate contact with potential investors. Traditional advice suggests sending a three-paragraph summary, four bullet points detailing the problem, and three outlining your solution and its advantages. However, realistically, who will thoroughly read this?

More often than not, it will be a junior-level employee, and not a senior venture capitalist. Even securing a meeting doesn't guarantee a prior deck review.

A common misconception within venture capital is the statement, “Yes, I read through your deck.” This is frequently followed by a request for a complete presentation from the start.

Limited Review Time

It’s reasonable to assume that your deck hasn’t been fully examined. The junior staff member likely found the concept intriguing based on the fund’s investment focus, and no one actively declined the meeting.

Data from DocSend reveals that the average pitch deck receives less than three minutes of review time over the past 20 weeks. Let's analyze how this time is allocated for a 12-page deck – a relatively succinct presentation:

• Cover slide – approximately 5 seconds.
• Back cover slide – approximately 5 seconds.
• Remaining slides – 2 minutes and 50 seconds.

This timeframe also encompasses the time needed to understand a crucial diagram that encapsulates your unique approach or perspective. Is 25 seconds sufficient to fully grasp this diagram and its connection to your core value proposition? It’s improbable.

Therefore, crafting a deck that is easily digestible and quickly conveys key information is paramount. Investors are pressed for time, and a concise, impactful presentation is more likely to capture their attention.

Addressing the Modern Pitch: Why Video is Essential

The practice of sending unsolicited pitch decks – often referred to as “cold decks” – should be discontinued. A more effective strategy involves utilizing video pitching. This entails creating a video recording where you present your deck, appearing on camera to provide context and elaboration.

The ideal length for this video presentation is six-and-a-half minutes or less. The primary goal is to quickly establish understanding and conclude with a clear and compelling call to action (CTA).

Avoid elaborate production or excessive visual effects; simplicity and authenticity are key.

The Growing Acceptance of Video Pitches

An increasing number of investors are adopting video pitches as a preferred method of initial contact. A prominent example of this trend is Ashton Kutcher’s venture capital firm, Sound Ventures.

With the prevalence of virtual meetings via platforms like Zoom, video pitching is rapidly becoming the industry standard for initial outreach.

Benefits of the Video Pitch Format

This shift towards video is significant because it allows founders to demonstrate qualities that a static deck simply cannot convey. These include preparedness, commitment, and genuine passion for their venture.

Furthermore, a video pitch facilitates a more profound connection with potential investors, even before a formal meeting is scheduled. It effectively streamlines the initial stages of relationship development.

By presenting your pitch in video format, you can bypass a step in the traditional investor courtship process, accelerating the path towards potential funding.

The Compelling Case for Utilizing Video Pitches

Traditional pitch decks often fall short when contrasted with the advantages offered by a well-crafted video pitch.

Key Benefits of Video Pitches

Several factors contribute to the increased effectiveness of presenting your ideas via video. These advantages significantly enhance investor engagement and comprehension.

• Enhanced Clarity: Video allows for a more easily understood presentation of complex information. Rather than simply presenting slides, you provide crucial context as you progress.
• Controlled Presentation: A recorded video pitch grants you complete control over the delivery, eliminating the possibility of interruptions.
• Increased Engagement: While a PDF may be quickly skimmed or overlooked, a concise, relevant video is more likely to capture and maintain attention.
• Personal Connection: Video introduces investors to the individual behind the venture, demonstrating your communication skills and ability to persuade.
• Convenient Review: The ability to re-watch the pitch at their convenience provides investors with a valuable resource for thorough evaluation.
• Automated Follow-up: Email notifications ensure the pitch remains top-of-mind for potential investors.

The advantage is clear: following up with investors shortly after they’ve viewed the video, prepared to answer questions, positions you far more favorably than simply sending a cold PowerPoint presentation.

Therefore, if proficiency in Zoom meetings is considered a valuable asset, elevating your video pitch skills to a comparable level is now essential for success.

Leveraging Video Pitches for Enhanced Conversion

Employing a well-crafted video pitch can significantly improve outcomes for founders, often resulting in a doubling to a fivefold increase in scheduled investor meetings. Furthermore, initial engagements with the first twenty investors frequently yield three to five times more commitment.

Adelle Archer, founder of Eterneva, a leading company in grief wellness, highlights the advantages: “A video pitch transcends the conventional ‘cold deck’ method.

It introduces a greater degree of approachability, enthusiasm, and individual attention to your initial introduction.

Moreover, it provides a valuable metric for assessing investor interest through watch time data.

Finally, it facilitates a form of direct engagement with decision-makers who may not have been directly contacted but are nonetheless influential within the investment process.”

The value of a video pitch is substantial even if its sole contribution is allowing other members of the investment committee to hear the founder’s narrative directly.

A Subtle Shift in Power Dynamics Occurs

A notable change in the balance of power often takes place when an investor has previously experienced your presentation and understanding of your company’s vision. The initial 30-minute meeting is then approached with a different dynamic. You demonstrate, rather than simply tell, that you are functioning with a professional skillset.

Founders who have utilized this approach have indicated that, following a video pitch, they no longer felt like a fledgling startup requesting funding. Instead, they experienced a more equitable interaction with potential investors.

Benefits Experienced by Founders

• Progress was accelerated, and more ground was covered in discussions.
• Perceptions of maturity and experience were significantly enhanced.
• This tactic served as a leveling force, altering the power dynamic in their favor.

This strategy effectively rebalanced the power equation, allowing founders to present themselves as seasoned professionals. The ability to showcase competence beforehand fosters a more collaborative and respectful dialogue.

The perception of being a mature and capable leader is crucial in securing investment. By proactively demonstrating this through a video pitch, founders can significantly improve their chances of success.

Crafting an Effective Video Pitch: A Strategic Guide

• Preparation Begins with Scripting. Develop a detailed verbal presentation aligned with each page of your pitch deck, documented in a single Word document. Determine if a bullet-point outline or a fully written script suits your style best. Print this talk track and practice reading it aloud, marking any areas where you stumble. Revise these sections, as spoken language often differs from written text. Repeat this process twice without the deck for focused refinement.
• Prioritize Seamless Flow. The transitions between sections of your pitch are often more crucial than the content displayed on your slides. During your third read-through (still without the deck), refine these transitions to ensure a cohesive narrative. Utilize formatting – bolding, underlining, or italics – to emphasize key phrases and ensure impactful delivery.
• Mastering Time Constraints. Aim for a video length of six minutes and thirty seconds or less. Video duration significantly impacts viewership; pitches under four minutes may feel rushed, while those exceeding seven minutes risk disengagement. Feedback suggests a 6:00-6:30 timeframe is optimal. While warm introductions may allow for slightly longer videos, avoid exceeding the seven-minute mark without compelling justification. This stage involves a fourth read-through to establish a baseline timing and practice slide navigation.
• Acknowledge Content Summarization. Explicitly state in your introduction that you will be providing a high-level overview. Embrace the phrase: “I’m confident you’ll have further questions, and I’d be happy to discuss them in a Zoom meeting.” The fifth read-through focuses on identifying and streamlining non-essential content or information already present on the slides, allowing you to gloss over it during the pitch. Continue refining until the timing falls below the 6:30 limit.
• Move Beyond the Script. Avoid reading directly from a script during the final recording. By this point, your pitch should be thoroughly internalized, allowing for a natural and engaging delivery.
• A Clear Call to Action is Essential. Remember that this is not merely an informational video. Your primary goal is to secure a follow-up conversation. Conclude with a direct request for a call: “Please send me an email, and we can schedule a time to connect, or you can book a slot directly through the link provided in the email.”
• Personalization Drives Engagement. Creating multiple, tailored six-minute videos is significantly more effective than attempting a generic, one-size-fits-all approach. Generic pitches are easily recognized and often ignored. Personalization increases the likelihood of a meaningful interaction and a response from a top-tier venture capitalist, beginning with a personalized greeting like, “Hey Tina!” This translates to fewer outreach emails, fewer videos, a faster fundraising process, and accelerated growth. Investors prioritize quality over quantity in their portfolios.
• Authenticity Over Production Value. Don't overcomplicate the process. A raw, imperfect video pitch – even one with minor errors – is often more valuable than a highly polished, corporate production. Prioritize clear audio quality over elaborate visuals. Tools like Loom are preferable to professional video editing software like Final Cut.

Therefore, when requested to share your deck, consider submitting a video pitch instead. However, be prepared to share the deck itself upon request – utilize a platform like DocSend to track engagement and control access. Until then, prioritize the video format.

Should you require assistance with crafting your verbal presentation, aligning your deck with the video pitch strategy, or maximizing investor conversion rates, we offer specialized support – we are passionate about this subject.