Show enthusiasm
“A pitch needs to be well prepared,” says Andreas from Sharely. For their appearance on “Die Höhle der Löwen Schweiz”, they planned every line of their pitch and thought carefully about the story they wanted to tell and what they absolutely needed the investors to know. To find out how your pitch comes across to others, it is advisable to try it out before the big day on an audience that does not know your company. “We pitched to all kinds of people and got a lot of valuable tips,” says Gunda.
The important points of your pitch must be kept as short and concise as possible: “You need to cut straight to the point of your product, because you don’t have a lot of time to persuade your audience,” says Andreas from Sharely. Gunda also feels it is vital to communicate your commitment and personal enthusiasm for your company during your pitch, in order to trigger an emotional response from your audience. Andreas adds that the public must perceive the product not just as a business model, but also as something that the team truly believes in. “That way, the investor knows that we will persevere if things get tough.”
Ideally, you should carry out a debrief after the pitch – because this can help you learn lessons for future pitches. After a successful presentation, however, all of your stress turns into pure pride. Every pitch is a challenge, but also a unique opportunity.