Investigating Entrepreneurial Pitches
Use these sample pitches to learn from entrepreneurs how to craft a successful pitch.
Article Title:
Investigating Entrepreneurial Pitches
Description:
Use these sample pitches to learn from entrepreneurs how to craft a successful pitch.
Target Grade Level:
Grades 3 - 12
Discipline or Course (Audience):
Can be used in any course
Time Frame:
10 - 30 minutes
Suggested Grouping:
Small groups or whole class
Key Vocabulary:
Pitch, various business terms (e.g., competitor, customer, consumer)
Educator Prep:
Teacher Tips
Students have access to three example pitch decks from existing companies (Air BnB, YouTube, and Podozi). These are meant to serve as idea-generating examples, not templates, for the students to use to understand what a pitch can look like and how important elements can be incorporated into a winning pitch. Once students have developed their initial pitch decks, they should practice the pitch before delivering it to key stakeholders. This can take a variety of forms, including having teams pitch to one another, to the whole class, or to a single individual (e.g., teacher, administrator, or community member). This is a time for the students to receive critical feedback so they can develop their ideas more completely before the final pitch.
STUDENT CONTENT BELOW THIS LINE
Pitching your ideas and solutions to peers, future employers, or community members is a perfect way to gain support while showcasing your skills, abilities, and creativity. This article is designed to share examples of actual pitches and pitch decks that entrepreneurs have used to obtain financial support for their start-up businesses. Pay close attention to the use of spoken words and visuals to identify engaging strategies that might work for you when you begin to create your pitch for your solution.
Pitch Videos
Let's explore pitches presented by entrepreneurs at The Ion Innovation Hub in Houston, Texas. These entrepreneurs have been working hard to create innovative solutions to everyday challenges. While these individuals are pitching to potential investors who they hope will fund their start-up business, you can learn from the strategies they are using to convey essential information in about 4 minutes.
1. Watch the three video pitches identified.
Web Link - The Ion Super Demo Day: Startup Pitches
- Phase Filter: HVAC filter w/rolling filter change (0:00 - 4:02 min)
- Frakktal: repurposing plastic debris, diverting from landfills (4:02 - 8:00 min)
- Moonshot: diverting food waste from landfills, composting: (8:00 - 11:27 min)
2. Compare the three presentations.
- What were the strengths and weaknesses of each of the presentations?
- What strategies might work for your pitch?
Pitch Decks
A pitch deck is a marketing presentation used by entrepreneurs, organizations, and sales teams designed to provide the minimal critical information needed to make a decision to buy, support, or invest in a solution. Pitch decks do not contain a lot of text because they are designed to support what is being said by the person giving the pitch.
1. Explore the following pitch decks for ideas on what content to put on a slide or how to use visuals effectively.
2. Compare the three slide decks.
- What were the strengths and weaknesses of each of the presentations?
- What strategies might work for your pitch?
