Secrets of a Successful Pitch: Recommendations from Madina Rakhimzhanova

Our Telegram channel The Tech hosted an online pitch where startups from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan presented their projects. We share key recommendations!

Madina Rakhimzhanova, VS Associate, Scout, startup consultant.

It is important for startups to clearly define their market. Investors expect specific data rather than general assessments. You need to show precise figures for the audience and market size, as well as explain the magnitude of the problem the product solves and why people are willing to pay for it.

Competitive advantage must be clearly articulated. It is important not just to list features, but to demonstrate a real difference from competitors. It is useful to include a comparison table and highlight the key unique feature of the product.

The roadmap should be detailed. Formulations like "expansion into Central Asia" are too vague — you need to specify particular countries.

The presentation should be visually supported by statistics and figures. Information stated verbally should be duplicated on slides to make it easier for investors to absorb the data.

In the early stages, it is essential to conduct CustDev to ensure that the product is truly needed by the market. If you are not familiar with it, you should read Rob Fitzpatrick's book, "The Mom Test." Often, startups face a lack of growth, and in such cases, it is worth testing different hypotheses. Perhaps it is worth changing the segment, for example, moving from B2B to B2C or revising the business model. Traction is the main indicator of customers' readiness to pay for the product.

When raising investment, do not undervalue the company or give away too large a stake. It is important to choose investors consciously so that they do not hinder business development in the future.

Do not be afraid to ask for feedback. Even if an investor is not ready to invest, their comments can be useful, as they have a broader perspective and understanding of the market.