Why Your Pitch Deck Is Getting Rejected
After helping 500+ startups create investor-ready pitch decks, we have identified a pattern: most failed pitch decks share the same fundamental mistakes. The good news? Every single one of these mistakes is fixable.
Here are the top 10 pitch deck mistakes we see regularly, why they matter, and exactly how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Information Overload
The Problem: Founders try to tell their entire company story in 15 slides. The result is text-heavy slides that investors cannot absorb in their typical 3.5-minute review.
The Fix:
- •Maximum 6 lines of text per slide
- •One key message per slide
- •Use visuals to replace text where possible
- •Move detailed data to an appendix
- •Remember: your deck should spark interest, not answer every question
Mistake 2: No Clear Problem Statement
The Problem: Jumping straight to your solution without establishing why it matters. If investors don't feel the pain, they won't care about the cure.
The Fix:
- •Quantify the problem with data (market size, affected users, cost of problem)
- •Use customer quotes or real-world scenarios
- •Make the problem relatable to the investor's experience
- •Show the status quo and why it is unacceptable
Mistake 3: Unrealistic Financial Projections
The Problem: The infamous "hockey stick" growth chart with no defensible assumptions. Projecting Rs.100 Cr revenue in Year 3 when you have Rs.5 Lakh in Year 1 is a credibility killer.
The Fix:
- •Use bottom-up financial modeling
- •Show your assumptions explicitly
- •Include best, base, and worst case scenarios
- •Benchmark against similar companies in your industry
- •Get your projections validated by a CA (this is included in Setup India's packages)
Mistake 4: Ignoring the Competition Slide
The Problem: Either skipping the competition slide entirely or stating "we have no competition." Both signal naivety to experienced investors.
The Fix:
- •Use a competitive matrix (not just logos)
- •Include direct and indirect competitors
- •Be honest about competitor strengths
- •Clearly articulate your differentiation on 2-3 key dimensions
- •Show sustainable competitive advantages (moats)
Mistake 5: Weak Traction Slide
The Problem: Not showing any validation of market demand. Even pre-revenue startups can demonstrate traction.
The Fix:
- •Revenue or pre-revenue metrics (waitlist signups, LOIs, pilot customers)
- •Growth rates (MoM or QoQ)
- •Key milestones achieved
- •Media mentions or awards
- •Strategic partnerships
- •If early-stage: show customer interviews, surveys, or pilot results
Mistake 6: Poor Design and Inconsistency
The Problem: Using clip art, inconsistent fonts, misaligned elements, and clashing colors. Poor design signals poor attention to detail - a red flag for investors.
The Fix:
- •Stick to one font family with weight variations
- •Use maximum 3 colors from your brand palette
- •Maintain consistent margins and spacing
- •Professional icons instead of clip art
- •High-quality images and charts
- •Consider professional design services like Setup India's pitch deck packages
Mistake 7: Missing the Team Slide
The Problem: Investors invest in people, not just ideas. Skipping or minimizing the team slide is a critical error, especially in India where founder credibility heavily influences decisions.
The Fix:
- •Professional photos of all co-founders
- •Relevant experience (not full resumes)
- •Previous exits or notable achievements
- •Advisory board with credibility
- •Key hires already made or planned
Mistake 8: No Clear Funding Ask
The Problem: Presenting your entire company but never stating how much you need, what you will do with it, or what milestones the funding will unlock.
The Fix:
- •Specific amount you are raising
- •Detailed use of funds (percentage breakdown)
- •12-18 month milestones the funding enables
- •Expected next funding round timing
- •Current investors or commitments (if any)
Mistake 9: Wrong Pitch Deck Length
The Problem: Too short (under 8 slides) leaves out critical information. Too long (over 20 slides) tests investor patience.
The Fix:
- •Email deck: 12-15 slides (designed to be read independently)
- •Presentation deck: 15-18 slides (designed to accompany your verbal pitch)
- •Use appendix for detailed backup data
- •Every slide should answer: "Does the investor need this to make a decision?"
Mistake 10: No Follow-Up Strategy
The Problem: Sending the deck and hoping for the best. No data room, no follow-up plan, no preparation for investor questions.
The Fix:
- •Prepare a detailed data room (financials, legal docs, customer data)
- •Anticipate top 20 investor questions and prepare answers
- •Create a one-pager summary for quick sharing
- •Plan a structured follow-up cadence (Setup India's Premium package includes investor Q&A preparation)
Pitch Deck Checklist: Before You Send
| Check Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Clear problem statement with data | Required |
| Solution explained in under 30 seconds | Required |
| TAM/SAM/SOM with credible sources | Required |
| Business model with unit economics | Required |
| Traction slide with real numbers | Required |
| Competitive landscape matrix | Required |
| Team with relevant experience | Required |
| Financial projections (3-5 years) | Required |
| Specific funding ask with use of funds | Required |
| Consistent design and branding | Required |
| Under 15 slides (excluding appendix) | Required |
| Proofread for grammar and data errors | Required |
Get Expert Help
Avoid these mistakes entirely by working with professionals who have designed 500+ successful pitch decks. Setup India's pitch deck services start at Rs.9,999 and include CA-backed financial projections, market research, and professional design.