The cover slide of a pitch deck is often only viewed for a few seconds. That’s exactly why it is treated somewhat neglected by many founders. It plays a central role – especially if your pitch takes place live on a stage. In these first seconds, it is decided how attentive the audience is, how well they “dock” mentally and whether they are ready to follow the story that follows.
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But even in the sent pitch deck, the first slide is more than just a formality. It is the first visual impression investors get of the entire deck. And as we all know: first impressions count – even in fundraising.
What the cover slide has to do (and what it doesn’t)
The cover slide is not a summary of the entire startup. It is also not an imprint. Its task is much clearer: it should put investors and listeners in the right emotional and rational position to understand what the next few minutes will be about.
You have to keep in mind that investors have usually already read a short intro text or know from the announcement what it is roughly about. The cover slide now sets the visual framework. It helps to classify what you hear and structure expectations.
