Avoid Common Pitch Deck Mistakes – Top Tips

What mistakes might you make in pitch decks & presentations?  How do you avoid these pitch deck mistakes?  What common pitch deck mistakes should you look for? How do you fix common pitch mistakes.

Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball

Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London.  Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page. 

You Need to Avoid Common Pitch Deck Mistakes

At BBA we have been advising on pitches and presentations for over 15 years.  Our team have seen thousands of pitches and investor pitches – both good and bad.  And we have re-written hundreds of bad presentations to turn them into great presentations. But a perfect pitch deck is not enough.

Whether you’re a pitching to venture capitalists or a CEO presenting to institutional investors, you need to be clear, concise and convincing.  Your pitch will determine whether you secure funding, get shareholder support or get passed over.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Pitch Decks

In our experience, many businesses fall into common traps that weaken their pitch. We want to help you avoid these investor presentation mistakes.

As Warren Buffet said:  “I really believe it’s better to learn from other people’s mistakes as much as possible.”

These are twelve of the most common investor presentation mistakes and the most common pitch deck mistakes with practical tips on how to avoid them.  

What Common Pitch Deck Mistakes to Avoid

“Every great money manager I’ve ever met, all they want to talk about is their mistakes. There’s a great humility there.” — Stanley Druckenmiller

1. Overload the investor with Information

Mistake:

Packing too much information into your investor pitch deck will overwhelm prospective investors. They’ll lose focus and get confused. You may feel tempted to include plenty of detail about your business model, financials, and strategy, but if you do, you’ll dilute your core message.

Solution:

To avoid this investor presentation mistake, be absolutely clear on the most important information that shows your company’s potential for growth and profitability.  Ideally, have just one core message that underpins your pitch and three sub-message to summarise your equity story.  The simpler your pitch, the easier it will be to influence investor decisions. Many of our clients use our messaging cracker process to improve their pitch messaging.

Example: 

Instead of a 30-slide investor pitch deck with exhaustive data, an effective pitch deck might stick to just 10 pages that highlight key information: your business problem, solution, market opportunity, competitive edge, and financial projections.  Less is more when it comes to the number of slides.

2. Neglect the power of storytelling

Mistake:

Many presentations are full of facts and figures without weaving them into a compelling narrative. This approach makes your pitch dry and difficult to relate to.

Solution:

Frame your pitch as a story that connects with your audience emotionally. Start with a clear problem that your business solves, introduce the solution (your product or service), and then outline the impact it has. Storytelling helps investors see the human side of your business, making it more memorable.  And using storytelling in case studies is powerful.

Example: 

Instead of saying, “We have developed an AI-based tool for data analysis,” try framing it as, “Imagine a world where businesses can predict customer behaviour with 90% accuracy. Our AI-based tool has turned this vision into reality.”

3. Avoid discussing the market opportunity

Investor Presentation Mistakes:

If you fail to discuss the size and scope of the market opportunity, you miss a compelling part of your investor narrative. Investors want to know that there’s a large and growing demand for your product or service.

Solution:

Clearly define your target market, its size, and growth potential. Use credible sources to back up your data and explain why your business is uniquely positioned to capture a significant share of this market or to continue growing.

Example: 

“The UK’s digital healthcare market is set to grow by 25% annually over the next five years, and our solution addresses the critical need for remote patient monitoring, putting us at the forefront of this expansion.”

Why Pick Benjamin Ball Associates for Your Coaching

At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ve been coaching business people to improve their business communication skills for over 15 years.  Our coaching is fast and effective.  We work with individuals and with companies, one-to-one and in groups.  Call us today to learn more.

“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”

Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky

Our most popular training courses include:

• Presentation Coaching
• Public Speaking Coaching
• Investor Pitch Support and Coaching

Trusted by some of the most successful companies globally

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

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4.  Exclude the competition

Investor Presentation Mistakes:

Some presenters either downplay or ignore their competition, thinking that emphasising a unique position will impress investors. However, this strategy can backfire, making it seem like you haven’t done your homework.

Solution:

Acknowledge your competitors openly and honestly. Respect them. Demonstrate that you understand their strengths and weaknesses and then show clearly your competitive advantage. Explain how your business differentiates itself in a crowded market.

Example: 

“While Company X and Company Y also offer project management software, our AI-driven insights give us a 30% edge in efficiency compared to their solutions.”

5. Weak Financial Projections

Investor Pitch Deck Mistakes:

Investors need to see a clear financial picture, yet many investment presentations deliver vague or unrealistic financial projections. Overly optimistic numbers without supporting evidence will damage your credibility and lose your investor’s attention.

Solution:

Provide realistic and data-backed financial projections. Include key metrics like revenue growth, gross margins, cash flow, and break-even points. Show that you understand your numbers and how they align with your business strategy. And make sure everything  in your business plan will stand up to due diligence.

Example: 

“Based on our current growth rate and market trends, we project a 20% increase in revenue over the next 12 months, reaching £5 million in annual turnover by Q4 2025.”

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6.  Unclear how you will use funds raised

Investor Pitch Deck Mistakes:

One of the biggest mistakes in investor presentations is failing to clearly outline how you plan to use the investment. Vague statements about your funding request like “expanding operations” or “growing the team” don’t provide enough detail.

Solution:

Specify exactly where the funds will go and how they will drive growth. Break down the allocation into categories such as product development, marketing, sales, and operational costs. This shows investors you have a well-thought-out plan.  And if you can show how these will be phased over time, you’ll earn extra brownie points.

Example: 

“We’re seeking £2 million in funding, with £800,000 allocated to product development, £600,000 to marketing efforts to drive customer acquisition, and £600,000 to scaling our sales team. As a result…..”

7. Over-confidence or under-confidence

Mistake:

Striking the wrong tone—either coming across as overconfident or not confident enough—can turn investors off. Overconfidence might make you seem arrogant, while under-confidence can raise red flags about your belief in the venture.

Solution:

Find a balanced tone that communicates enthusiasm and confidence, backed by data and realistic assumptions. Be prepared to acknowledge risks while clearly stating why you believe your business will succeed.  This is where good practice and presentation role play coaching helps you develop just the right level of confidence and certainty.  

Example: 

“We recognise that entering the European market comes with challenges, but our early traction and strong partnerships give us confidence in our ability to scale quickly.”

8. Unprepared for tough questions

Mistake:

Many presenters overlook the importance of preparing for difficult questions, which is usually where deals are won or lost. If you Fumble through answers, you will make investors doubt your knowledge and readiness.

Solution:

Anticipate likely questions from potential investors about your business model, competitors, risks, and growth strategy. Rehearse your answers and be ready to handle tough questions with composure.  Get a great investor pitch coach so that you’ve been tested on all the hardest questions that an investor might ask.

Example: 

If asked about potential risks, be ready to say, “One risk is market saturation, but we’re mitigating this by targeting niche segments that our competitors have overlooked.”

9. Use jargon and technical language

Pitch Deck Mistake:

Using too much technical jargon might confuse potential investors, especially if they’re not familiar with your industry. This barrier can prevent your key points from getting through effectively.

Solution:

Simplify your language and stick to the benefits rather than the technical details. Explain your product in a way that anyone, even those outside your industry, can understand.

Example: 

Instead of saying, “Our SaaS platform utilises deep learning algorithms,” try, “Our software uses smart technology to help businesses automate their most time-consuming tasks, like payroll and reconciling stock levels.”

10. End without a clear call to action

Mistake:

A common pitch deck mistake is to end your pitch without a clear call to action, leaving potential investors unsure of the next steps or what you’re asking of them.

Solution:

Conclude your presentation with a strong, clear ask. Let investors know exactly how much funding you’re seeking, what it will be used for, and the specific milestones it will help you achieve. And give them a clear sense of when you need this money and why its important to make a decision soon.  And be clear what the key takeaways will be.  How will they talk about you at their investment committee?

Example:

“We’re looking to raise £3 million to expand into the European market, aiming to double our customer base within the next 18 months. With your investment and you as a partner we can start on this next phase of growth before the start of summer.”

11. Ignoring the soft skills in a pitch

Mistake:

While it’s tempting to believe that an investor pitch is purely rational, it is not.  Investors need to like you, believe in you and have confidence that you can deliver on your promises. Facts by themselves do not persuade.

Solution: 

The art of a successful investor pitch is carefully balancing the facts of your pitch with emotional appeals. This could involve storytelling, using metaphor, visualisation or sharing observations. When we work with teams to coach them for compelling investor pitches, all these aspects of the pitch get reviewed and improved.

Example:

“Our investment in coaching has paid for itself many times over.”

Ed Coulthard, CEO, Blast Films

12. Not being properly prepared

Mistake:

Many management teams assume that because they know their business, the company and their plans, they don’t need to practise their pitch meeting.  But most businesses only raise money infrequently and therefore are not fine-tuned to the different demands of different investors.

A big investor presentation mistake is to confuse a business pitch with an investor pitch, they are completely different.

Solution:

The best firms and the best teams will always call in a professional to make sure they are properly prepared.  A firm like Benjamin Ball Associates will stress test your pitch, identify weaknesses in your preposition and will coach teams so that you are ready for every type of investor you might face.  

Like a great tennis player, the best never rely on natural ability, but call upon the experts to up your game and do all the hard work before you meet potential investors.

Example:  

“We had a good story to tell, but you helped us deliver it more coherently and more positively.”

Steve Whitfield, CEO, Eurocamp

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What to do next to create a compelling investor presentation

A compelling investor presentation is about more than just presenting facts and figures and a great PowerPoint presentation; it’s about crafting a narrative that investors can believe in.

With the right approach and thorough preparation, you can turn your investor pitch into a powerful tool that not only highlights your company’s potential but also inspires confidence and action from those across the table.

Whether you’re seeking a Series A round, expansion finance or engaging institutional investors, get in touch to discuss how we can help you.

Start Getting A Better Pitch Deck Today

For help with your investor presentation, get in touch today.  We’ve been improving investor presentations and coaching teams for over 15 years.

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Why Choose Us:
Transform your pitches and presentations with tailored coaching

We can help you present brilliantly. Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too.

“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”

Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky

For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice for leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. We’ll help you improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors.

Some recent clients

Unlock your full potential and take your presentations to the next level.

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

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FAQ: Common Investor Pitch Deck Mistakes

1. What are the most common mistakes in investor pitch decks?

The most frequent mistakes include:

• Overloading slides with too much information
• Neglecting storytelling
• Failing to discuss the market opportunity
• Ignoring competitors
• Providing weak financial projections
• Not specifying how funds will be used
• Being over-confident or under-confident
• Unpreparedness for tough questions
• Using excessive jargon
• Ending without a clear call to action
• Ignoring soft skills (e.g., emotional appeal)
• Lack of proper preparation

2. Why is storytelling important in an investor pitch?

Investors connect with compelling narratives more than dry facts. A good story helps them understand the problem your business solves, why it matters, and how your solution creates value.

3. How detailed should my financial projections be?

Your financials should be realistic, data-backed, and include key metrics like revenue growth, margins, and cash flow. Avoid overly optimistic projections without justification.

4. Should I mention competitors in my pitch?

Yes. Acknowledging competitors shows market awareness. Explain how your business differentiates itself and why you have a competitive edge.

5. How do I avoid overwhelming investors with too much information?

Stick to one core message and three supporting points. Keep slides concise (10-15 max) and pick out only the most critical data.

6. What’s the best way to explain how I’ll use investor funds?

Be specific—break down allocations (e.g., product development, marketing, hiring) and explain how each expense drives growth.

7. How can I prepare for tough investor questions?

Anticipate likely questions (risks, competition, scalability) and rehearse clear, confident answers. Consider professional coaching to refine responses.

8. Why is a clear call to action (CTA) important?

A strong CTA tells investors exactly what you want (e.g., funding amount, next steps) and increases the chance of follow-up.

9. How can I balance confidence without seeming arrogant?

Show enthusiasm backed by data, acknowledge risks, and demonstrate a realistic growth plan. Investors value humility and credibility.

10. Should I avoid technical jargon in my pitch?

Yes. Simplify language so investors outside your industry can understand your business model and value proposition.

11. How important are soft skills in an investor pitch?

Very. Investors invest in people, not just ideas. Charisma, clarity, and confidence matter as much as facts.

12. How can Benjamin Ball Associates help improve my pitch?

BBA offers expert coaching to refine messaging, structure, and delivery. Their team helps founders and CEOs craft compelling, investor-ready pitches.

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