Why We Ask Founders to Cut Their Pitch Deck in Half.

Our all-time favorite exercise.

In most of our workshops with founders, there’s one exercise that always turns heads: when we challenge them to cut their pitch decks in half. This isn’t just about brevity for the sake of brevity; it's a fundamental part of our deep dive into their ventures.

The goal? To crystallize their message, focus their narrative, and enhance the impact each slide packs.

The Power of Less

When we tell founders to work on this exercise, we're not just aiming to trim fat—we're sharpening swords. It's about making their message hit harder and faster. Here's how to do it right and why it matters.

1. Leave Your Mark

Investors are drowning in decks. Yours needs to stand out not just for what it says, but for what it doesn't. Fewer slides equal more impact. Each remaining slide should pack a punch, delivering your core message with precision. Think of your deck as a billboard, not a brochure.

2. Know Your Audience

Tailor your deck ruthlessly. If your investors know your industry, skip the basics. If they’re insiders, start with your team's edge. The point is, customize aggressively—your deck should feel bespoke, like it’s crafted just for the person across the table.

3. Think Like an Investor

Investors are busy. Respect their time with a deck that can be digested quickly. Your goal in those first five slides? Build trust and make them believe—both in the problem and in your ability to solve it. Make every second count.

4. Essentials Only

If you had only five slides, these are the themes you should definitely tackle:

The Problem: Lay it out simply. Why does it matter? Who suffers?

Your Solution: How are you fixing things differently than anyone else? Why will it work?

Progress: Any proof points? Early wins? Show don’t tell.

Vision: Where is this going, and how will you get there?

Team: Who’s driving, and why are they winners?

👉 This is an example deck of our own venture, Sunday Club, a subscription-based phone service for elderly people and their caregivers.

Conclusion

Cutting your deck forces you to operate at a higher level of clarity and conviction. You’re not just editing slides—you’re honing your vision. Make your pitch a reflection of your efficiency and your ambition. When every slide justifies its existence, your business will too.

The BORRN team will delve further into successful pitching on Thursday, May 30th, during our workshop "Pitching to Investors: Making Every Word Count" at the Reflect Festival in Cyprus. Learn more about our session and the full event agenda here.