---
name: "Pitch deck creation"
repo: https://github.com/manojbajaj95/claude-gtm-plugin
source: https://github.com/manojbajaj95/claude-gtm-plugin/blob/HEAD/skills/pitch-deck-creation/SKILL.md
license: "MIT"
install: "npx skills add manojbajaj95/claude-gtm-plugin --skill pitch-deck-creation"
page: https://100xlab.com/resources/agent-skills/manojbajaj95-claude-gtm-plugin--pitch-deck-creation--1ltma7k
---

# Pitch Deck Creation

## Workspace Context

Read bootstrap context before asking questions: `strategy/brand.md` for brand, audience, offer, channels, tools, constraints, and metrics; `about/me.md` for personal voice; `content/ideas.md` and `content/calendar.md` for content planning. Use legacy product-marketing context files only as fallback. Save generated drafts to `content/<platform>/drafts/YYYY-MM-DD_short-topic-slug.md`, and route durable learnings back to `strategy/brand.md`, `about/me.md`, or `content/ideas.md`.

## Operating Contract

This skill is self-contained for its frontmatter scope: use its local instructions, references, scripts, and assets as the playbook; ask only for missing task-specific inputs; hand off to adjacent skills instead of expanding scope; and return an actionable artifact, decision, plan, draft, or diagnostic.



Generate professional investor-ready pitch decks. This skill covers both the narrative structure (what goes on each slide) and the visual design rules (how it should look), then produces a `.pptx` file via a bundled Python script.

## Deck Structure

Use the **12-slide framework** — total ~6 minutes. Never exceed 20 slides.

| # | Slide | Duration | Key Question to Answer |
|---|-------|----------|------------------------|
| 1 | **Title** | 15s | Who are you? |
| 2 | **Problem** | 45s | Is this a real problem people pay to solve? |
| 3 | **Solution** | 45s | Is this 10x better than the status quo? |
| 4 | **Demo/Product** | 60s | What does it actually look like? |
| 5 | **Market Size** | 30s | Is this big enough to matter? |
| 6 | **Business Model** | 30s | How do you make money? |
| 7 | **Traction** | 45s | Is this actually working? |
| 8 | **Competition** | 30s | Why you, not them? |
| 9 | **Team** | 30s | Can these people execute? |
| 10 | **Financials** | 30s | Revenue projections, unit economics |
| 11 | **The Ask** | 15s | How much, what for, timeline |
| 12 | **Contact** | 10s | Email, next steps |

**Detailed slide guidance:** consult `references/pitch_deck_best_practices.md` for content rules, examples, and common mistakes for each slide type.

## Step-by-Step Workflow

### Step 1: Gather Information

Ask the user conversationally. Probe for specific metrics and data.

**Required:**
- Company name and tagline (one sentence)
- Problem being solved (with data/stats if available)
- Solution and key features

**Recommended (include if available):**
- Market size (TAM/SAM/SOM) and growth rate
- Traction: revenue, users, growth %, milestones
- Business model: pricing, revenue streams, unit economics
- Competition: competitors and your differentiators
- Team: founders and key hires with relevant background
- Financials & Ask: amount, use of funds, runway, milestones

For missing info, offer placeholder slides that can be updated later.

### Step 2: Create pitch_data.json

Format collected information as JSON for the generation script:

```json
{
  "company_name": "Company Name",
  "tagline": "One-line description",
  "problem": [
    "Problem statement with data",
    "Impact/urgency statement"
  ],
  "solution": [
    "How the product solves the problem",
    "Key feature 1 and its benefit",
    "Unique value proposition"
  ],
  "market": [
    "TAM: $X total addressable market",
    "SAM: $X serviceable market",
    "SOM: $X obtainable market"
  ],
  "product": ["Feature 1", "Feature 2", "Tech highlights"],
  "traction": ["Revenue: $X (YY% growth)", "Users: X,XXX active", "Key milestone"],
  "business_model": ["Revenue model", "Pricing: $XX/month", "CAC, LTV, margins"],
  "competition": {
    "our_advantages": ["Advantage 1", "Unfair advantage"],
    "competitors": ["Competitor 1", "Competitor 2"]
  },
  "team": [
    "CEO: Name - relevant experience",
    "CTO: Name - built X at Y"
  ],
  "financials": [
    "Raising: $X seed/Series A",
    "Use of funds: XX% eng, XX% sales",
    "Milestones with this funding"
  ]
}
```

Notes: all fields are optional except `company_name`; `competition` can be an object (two-column layout) or a plain array.

### Step 3: Generate the PowerPoint

```bash
python3 scripts/create_pitch_deck.py pitch_data.json output_filename.pptx
```

Requires `python-pptx`: `pip3 install python-pptx`

The script produces a `.pptx` with consistent formatting, color scheme, and typography — ready for presentation or manual customization.

### Step 4: Review and Iterate

- User updates `pitch_data.json` with new info, re-runs the script
- For design beyond the script, advise manual editing in PowerPoint
- PDF export: File → Save As → PDF (for sharing)
- Presentation timing: ~10–15 minutes for 10–12 slides

## Visual Design Rules

### Typography

| Element | Size (1920×1080) | Rule |
|---------|-----------------|------|
| Slide title | 48–72px | Max 6 words |
| Key stat | 96–144px | One per slide max |
| Body text | 24–32px | Max 6 bullet points |
| Caption/source | 16–20px | Always cite data |
| Font | Sans-serif only | Inter, Helvetica, SF Pro |

### The 1-6-6 Rule

- **1** idea per slide
- **6** words max per bullet
- **6** bullets max per slide

If you need more text, you need more slides.

### Color

| Element | Guideline |
|---------|-----------|
| Background | Dark navy/charcoal OR clean white — pick one, commit |
| Accent | ONE brand color for emphasis |
| Text | White on dark; dark grey (#333) on light |
| Charts | 2–3 colors max; brand color = your company |
| Avoid | Gradients on text, neon, more than 3 colors |

The bundled script defaults: Primary #2962FF (titles), Secondary #646464 (body), white background.

### Layout

| Rule | Why |
|------|-----|
| Consistent margins (80–100px) | Professional, clean |
| Left-align body text | Easier to scan |
| One visual per slide | Focus attention |
| Slide numbers visible | Investors can reference specific slides |
| Logo in corner | Subtle brand reinforcement |

## Chart Type Guide

| Chart | Use For | Never Use For |
|-------|---------|--------------|
| Line chart | Growth over time (traction) | Category comparisons |
| Bar chart | Comparing amounts | Time series |
| Concentric circles | TAM/SAM/SOM | Anything else |
| 2×2 matrix | Competitive positioning | Feature comparison |
| Single big number | Key metric highlight | Multiple metrics |
| Pie chart | **Never** | Anything — hard to read, unprofessional |

For competition slides: use a 2×2 positioning map, not a feature matrix against competitors.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

| Mistake | Fix |
|---------|-----|
| 20+ slides | Max 12–15 |
| Wall of text | Apply 1-6-6 rule |
| Feature matrix vs competitors | Use 2×2 positioning map |
| Pie charts | Use bar or single big number |
| No data source citations | Always cite |
| Team slide with 8+ people | Max 4, most relevant only |
| Vanity metrics | Show revenue, active users, retention |
| Missing "The Ask" slide | State amount + use of funds + timeline |
| Inconsistent design | Same colors/fonts/margins throughout |

## Tailoring for Audience

**Seed/early-stage investor deck:** emphasize problem, solution, market size, and team; show early traction; clear funding ask.

**Growth-stage / Series A deck:** lead with traction and revenue metrics; detailed unit economics; strong competitive moat story.

**Sales / BD deck:** de-emphasize fundraising; focus on customer ROI, case studies, and testimonials.

**Product launch deck:** highlight product features and market need; include demo screenshots; emphasize innovation.

## Resources

- `scripts/create_pitch_deck.py` — generates PowerPoint from `pitch_data.json`
- `references/pitch_deck_best_practices.md` — comprehensive guide: slide-by-slide content rules, design best practices, audience tailoring, pre-pitch checklist

---

## Supporting file: references/pitch_deck_best_practices.md

# Pitch Deck Best Practices

This reference guide provides best practices for creating effective pitch decks for startups and business pitches.

## General Principles

### Keep It Concise
- **10-15 slides maximum**: Investors have limited attention spans
- **One key message per slide**: Don't overcrowd slides with information
- **Use visuals**: Images, charts, and diagrams are more impactful than text

### Tell a Story
- Create a narrative arc: Problem → Solution → Opportunity → Why Us
- Make it memorable and emotionally engaging
- Use real examples and customer stories when possible

## Standard Pitch Deck Structure

### 1. Title Slide
- **Company name and logo**
- **Tagline/one-liner**: What you do in 10 words or less
- **Contact information** (optional on title, required at end)

### 2. Problem
- **Identify a real pain point**: What problem are you solving?
- **Quantify the problem**: Use data and statistics
- **Make it relatable**: Use examples or stories
- **Show urgency**: Why does this need to be solved now?

**Example bullet points:**
- "70% of small businesses struggle with cash flow management"
- "Current solutions are complex, expensive, and time-consuming"
- "This costs SMBs $10B+ annually in lost productivity"

### 3. Solution
- **Present your product/service**: How does it solve the problem?
- **Key features/benefits**: Focus on outcomes, not just features
- **Unique value proposition**: What makes your solution special?
- **Demo or visual**: Show, don't just tell

**Example bullet points:**
- "AI-powered cash flow forecasting in real-time"
- "Automated payment reminders reduce late payments by 50%"
- "Simple interface that takes 5 minutes to set up"

### 4. Market Opportunity
- **Total Addressable Market (TAM)**: Total market demand
- **Serviceable Available Market (SAM)**: Market you can reach
- **Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM)**: Market you can realistically capture
- **Market trends**: Growth rate, tailwinds, market drivers

**Example structure:**
- "TAM: $50B global market for SMB financial software"
- "SAM: $10B addressable with our go-to-market strategy"
- "SOM: $500M realistic capture over 5 years"
- "Market growing at 25% CAGR driven by digitization"

### 5. Product
- **Product demo/screenshots**: Visual representation of your product
- **Key features**: 3-5 most important capabilities
- **User experience**: How customers interact with it
- **Technology/Innovation**: What makes it technically impressive

### 6. Traction
- **Key metrics**: Revenue, users, growth rate
- **Milestones achieved**: Product launches, partnerships, awards
- **Customer testimonials**: Social proof
- **Growth trajectory**: Show momentum with charts

**Investor Metrics to Include:**
- Revenue and growth rate
- Customer acquisition metrics (CAC, LTV)
- Retention/churn rates
- Unit economics
- Key partnerships or customers

### 7. Business Model
- **Revenue streams**: How do you make money?
- **Pricing strategy**: What do customers pay?
- **Unit economics**: CAC, LTV, margins
- **Sales channels**: Direct, partners, self-serve, etc.

**Example bullet points:**
- "SaaS subscription model: $50/month per user"
- "Average customer: 20 users = $1,000 MRR"
- "CAC: $200, LTV: $12,000, LTV/CAC = 60x"
- "85% gross margins, path to profitability clear"

### 8. Competition
- **Competitive landscape**: Who else is in the market?
- **Competitive advantages**: Why are you better/different?
- **Barriers to entry**: What protects your position?

**Approaches:**
- **Competitor matrix**: 2x2 grid showing positioning
- **Feature comparison table**: Your features vs. competitors
- **"Secret sauce"**: What's your unfair advantage?

**Example structure:**
- Competitors: List 3-5 main competitors
- Our advantages: "10x faster, 5x cheaper, better UX"
- Defensibility: Network effects, proprietary data, patents

### 9. Team
- **Founders and key team members**: Names, photos, backgrounds
- **Relevant experience**: Previous companies, domain expertise
- **Advisors**: Notable advisors or board members
- **Why this team**: Why are you uniquely positioned to win?

**Include:**
- Previous exits or notable achievements
- Domain expertise (years in industry)
- Complementary skills (tech + business + domain)

### 10. Financials & Ask
- **Financial projections**: 3-5 year forecast (revenue, key metrics)
- **Funding ask**: How much are you raising?
- **Use of funds**: What will you spend it on?
- **Milestones**: What will you achieve with this funding?

**Example structure:**
- "Raising $2M seed round"
- "Use of funds: 60% engineering, 25% sales, 15% ops"
- "Milestones: Launch v2, reach $1M ARR, expand to 3 new markets"
- "12-18 month runway to Series A"

## Design Best Practices

### Visual Hierarchy
- **Large, bold titles**: Make slide topics clear
- **Limited text per slide**: 3-5 bullet points max
- **Consistent formatting**: Same fonts, colors, spacing throughout

### Color Scheme
- **Stick to 2-3 colors**: Brand colors + neutral gray
- **High contrast**: Ensure readability
- **Professional appearance**: Avoid gaudy or distracting colors

### Typography
- **Sans-serif fonts**: Modern, clean appearance (e.g., Helvetica, Arial, Roboto)
- **Readable font sizes**: Minimum 20pt for body text, 36pt+ for titles
- **Consistent hierarchy**: Title, subtitle, body text clearly differentiated

### Data Visualization
- **Use charts and graphs**: Better than tables or text for trends
- **Simple charts**: Avoid 3D effects and unnecessary complexity
- **Highlight key points**: Use color or annotations to draw attention

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

### Content Mistakes
- **Too much text**: Slides should support your talk, not replace it
- **Vague claims**: "Revolutionary," "disruptive" without evidence
- **Ignoring competition**: Claiming no competitors is a red flag
- **Missing traction**: Especially for later-stage companies
- **Unrealistic projections**: "Hockey stick" growth without justification

### Design Mistakes
- **Inconsistent branding**: Different fonts, colors, styles
- **Low-quality images**: Pixelated or stretched images
- **Cluttered slides**: Too many elements competing for attention
- **Animations and transitions**: Usually distracting, keep minimal

### Presentation Mistakes
- **Reading slides word-for-word**: Slides support your narrative
- **Going over time**: Practice to stay within time limits
- **Lack of energy**: Enthusiasm is contagious
- **Not knowing your numbers**: Be prepared for deep dives on metrics

## Tailoring for Different Audiences

### Investor Pitch (Fundraising)
- Focus on: Market size, traction, unit economics, team
- Include: Clear ask, use of funds, timeline to next milestone
- Emphasize: Growth potential, scalability, return on investment

### Sales Pitch (Business Development)
- Focus on: Problem, solution, ROI for customer
- Include: Case studies, testimonials, implementation timeline
- Emphasize: Value proposition, competitive advantages, ease of use

### Product Launch Pitch
- Focus on: Product features, user benefits, market need
- Include: Demo, pricing, availability
- Emphasize: Innovation, user experience, market fit

## Pre-Pitch Checklist

- [ ] Deck is 10-15 slides (maximum 20)
- [ ] Each slide has one clear message
- [ ] All claims are backed by data or evidence
- [ ] Financials are realistic and defensible
- [ ] Team slide shows relevant expertise
- [ ] Competitive analysis is honest and thorough
- [ ] Design is clean, professional, and consistent
- [ ] No typos or grammatical errors
- [ ] File is saved as PDF for sharing
- [ ] Appendix with detailed backup slides prepared

## Appendix Slides

Always prepare backup slides for deep dives:
- Detailed financial model
- Product roadmap
- Go-to-market strategy details
- Technical architecture
- Customer case studies
- Regulatory/compliance information
- Additional team bios