Pitch Deck Templates: A Comparison and Review from a Pitch Deck Expert

As a pitch deck expert, I've seen my fair share of pitch decks – both good and bad. One thing that can make or break a pitch is the pitch deck template. While there are plenty of options available, it's important to choose the right one for your company. In this blog post, I'll delve into the various types of pitch deck templates – free, paid, and custom – and offer a comparison and review of each.

First, let's define what a pitch deck is. A pitch deck is a presentation used to pitch a product or company to potential investors or partners. It typically includes an overview of the problem being solved, the solution being offered, the target market, the competitive landscape, the business model, the marketing and sales strategy, the team, and the financials.

Now, let's take a look at the various types of pitch deck templates available.

Free pitch deck templates

There are plenty of free pitch deck templates available online, ranging from simple slides to more comprehensive templates. Some popular examples include Guy Kawasaki's 10/20/30 rule and Sequoia's template.

The pros of using free pitch deck templates include the obvious cost benefit and the fact that they can be easily customized to fit your needs. The cons, however, include the fact that these templates are often generic and may not adequately represent your unique value proposition. Additionally, because they are free and widely available, they may not make your pitch stand out from the competition.

Paid pitch deck templates

There are also a number of paid pitch deck templates available, such as Pitch Deck Coach and Slidebean. These templates tend to be more comprehensive and offer more customization options than free templates.

The pros of using paid pitch deck templates include the higher level of customization and the fact that they may be more visually appealing and professional. The cons, however, include the cost and the fact that they may not be as unique as a custom template.

Custom pitch deck templates

Finally, there is the option of creating a custom pitch deck template. While this option may be more time-consuming and costly, it allows entrepreneurs to fully showcase their unique value proposition and create a pitch deck that is tailored to their specific needs.

The pros of using a custom pitch deck template include the ability to fully customize the template to fit your needs and the fact that it will be unique to your company. The cons, however, include the time and cost required to create a custom template.

So, which option is the best? It really depends on your specific needs and goals. While free and paid templates can be a good starting point, a custom pitch deck template can give you the edge in a competitive fundraising market. As the famous business magnate, Richard Branson, once said, "A good pitch can be the difference between success and failure." By creating a custom pitch deck template, you can showcase your unique value proposition and increase your chances of success.

In conclusion, there are a few key points to consider when choosing a pitch deck template: cost, customization options, and uniqueness. By taking the time to carefully evaluate your options, you can choose the pitch deck template that will best help you achieve your fundraising goals.