How to build a Funding Needs slide like Airbnb to secure a seed Investor

How to build a Funding Needs slide like Airbnb to secure a seed Investor

This blog will help you with the knowledge you need to write an impactful funding needs pitch deck slide that resonates with investors and gets you into those fundraising calls.

We'll leverage the wisdom of venture capital giants like Airbnb and the power of storytelling to transform your "Funding Ask" into a strategic narrative that builds investor confidence.Let’s get startedHow much are you raising?Imagine you're on stage in the Shark Tank. The sharks are circling, teeth bared, ready to tear apart any weaknesses in your pitch. You confidently explain your revolutionary product and its massive market potential.

But then comes the question: "How much money are you looking for?"

Here's where many founders falter. They blurt out a number and hope for the best. But seasoned investors want more. They want to see a clear funding needs slide, a roadmap that shows how your requested investment will help your company's growth.Having followed Jack Zerby for a while and having consumed a lot of his videos on YouTube, I figured it was only right to pull together a blog explaining some of my learnings from his channel.

Jack Zerby is a veteran of the fundraising trenches (having raised over $10 million in seed funding!)he's seen countless pitch decks.

One key element separates the good from the great: a compelling funding needs pitch deck slide.

The Importance of Clear and Specific Funding Goals

Think of your funding goals as the mountain you're scaling on your entrepreneurial journey. You wouldn't start climbing Everest without a detailed map, would you?

Similarly, a simple "I need $X million" doesn't provide investors with the clarity they crave.

Specificity is key. Define what you aim to achieve with the requested funding.

Are you looking to:

  • Launch a new product line?
  • Expand into a new market?
  • Scale your marketing efforts?

Be precise. Quantify your goals whenever possible. This shows investors you've meticulously planned your growth trajectory.

Here are a few weak examples:

We're looking for $500,000 to grow our business.

We’re looking for $500,000 to build the tech

Here's a strong example:

We're seeking $500,000 to launch our innovative fitness app, targeting a market of 1 million health-conscious millennials. This funding will allow us to finalize app development, execute a targeted marketing campaign, and onboard 50,000 users within the first six months.

The second example paints a vivid picture – one that excites investors with its potential for high return on investment (ROI).

Aligning Your Funding Ask with Business Milestones

Remember the Airbnb seed round pitch deck? (If not, you should look it up – it's a fundraising masterpiece!) Instead of simply asking for money,

Airbnb laid out a clear roadmap to success.


They requested $600,000 to achieve a specific milestone: 80,000 transactions on their platform within 12 months.

This approach is gold. By aligning your funding ask with business milestones, you demonstrate a deep understanding of your market and your ability to execute.

Pro Tip: Don't just list milestones. Set SMART Goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This shows investors you're data-driven and focused on results.

Here's an example:

  • Milestone 1 (3 Months): Achieve 1,000 paying customers.
  • Milestone 2 (6 Months): Secure a major partnership with a leading industry player.
  • Milestone 3 (12 Months): Expand to three new markets.

By linking your funding ask to these milestones, you create a compelling narrative that showcases the impact of the investment on your company's growth.

Show, Don't Tell: Quantifying Your Investment Needs

Investors are busy people. They don't have time to decipher cryptic requests. Your funding needs slide should be a beacon of clarity.

This means quantifying your financial requirements.

Break down your requested investment into clear categories:

  • Product Development: Costs associated with developing or improving your product.
  • Marketing & Sales: Budget allocated for user acquisition and brand awareness campaigns.
  • Team Building: Funding needed to hire key personnel to grow your startup.
  • Operational Expenses: Costs associated with running your day-to-day business.

Pro Tip: Use visuals like pie charts or bar graphs to represent the allocation of funds. This makes your investment ask readily digestible for investors.

Here's a weak example:

We need some money for marketing and development.

Here's a strong example:

Our $500,000 funding request is allocated as follows:

  • Product Development: $200,000
  • Marketing & Sales: $150,000
  • Team Building: $100,000
  • Operational Expenses: $50,000

Building Investor Confidence Through Transparency

Transparency is the bedrock of trust, especially in the world of venture capital. When you clearly articulate your funding needs and how you plan to utilize the investment, you're not just presenting a financial ask; you're building a foundation of trust with potential investors.

Demonstrating Financial Discipline

Investors are keen on backing founders who are obsessed with their finances. Show them you're not just throwing money at problems but meticulously allocating resources.

  • Conservative projections: While optimism is essential, avoid overly ambitious financial forecasts. Underpromise and overdeliver is a mantra that successful founders live by.
  • Detailed expense breakdowns: Provide a granular breakdown of how you'll spend the investment. This demonstrates your financial knowledge and attention to detail.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Overhyping your startup will lead to disappointment for both you and your investors.Don’t do that. Instead, set realistic expectations about your growth trajectory and the potential challenges you see ahead.

  • Acknowledge risks: Every business faces challenges. Demonstrating your awareness of potential pitfalls shows investors you've done your homework.
  • Highlight milestones: Break down your journey into achievable milestones. This gives investors clear markers to track your progress.

Telling a Story with Your Funding Needs

Remember, a pitch deck is not just a collection of data; it's a story. Your funding needs slide should be a compelling chapter in that story.

Creating a Narrative Around Your Investment Ask

Your funding needs should not be an isolated section of your pitch deck. Weave it into the overall narrative of your business.

  • Connect to the problem: Clearly articulate how the investment will help you solve the problem you're addressing.
  • Highlight market opportunity: Show how the funding will capitalize on a significant market opportunity.
  • Emphasize your team's capabilities: Demonstrate how your team will leverage the investment to achieve your goals.

Visualizing Your Funding Plan

A picture is worth a thousand words. Use visuals to enhance your funding needs slide.

  • Financial projections: Create clear and easy-to-understand financial projections, including revenue forecasts and burn rate.
  • Visualize milestones: Use timelines or Gantt charts to illustrate your key milestones and their alignment with the funding timeline.

Conclusion: A Well-Crafted Funding Needs Slide is a Cornerstone of a Successful Pitch Deck

A compelling funding needs slide is more than just a list of numbers; it's a strategic document that reflects your deep understanding of your business, your market, and your financial goals.

By following the guidelines outlined in this blog, you'll be well-equipped to create a funding needs slide that not only secures investment but also sets the stage for long-term success.

Remember, your pitch deck is your first impression on potential investors. Make it count!

Additional Resources

  • Recommended Reading:
    • "Venture Deals" by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson
    • "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries
    • "Pitch Perfect" by Alex Hormozi
  • Helpful Tools and Templates:

By investing time and effort into crafting a compelling funding needs page, you're taking a significant step towards securing the investment your business deserves.

Delving Deeper into Crafting a Compelling Funding Needs Pitch Deck Slide

The Art of Storytelling in Your Funding Needs

We've touched on the importance of storytelling in your pitch deck, but let's dive deeper into how to weave a compelling narrative around your funding needs.

  • Investor Empathy: Put yourself in the investor's shoes. What story do they want to hear? It’s not just about numbers; it's about the impact your product or service will have on the world.
  • Problem-Solution-Impact: Clearly articulate the problem you're solving, your unique solution, and the potential impact. Your funding needs should be directly tied to scaling this solution.
  • The Hero's Journey: Every great story has a hero. In your case, you are the hero on a mission to innovate an industry. Your funding is the sword that helps you slay the dragon (i.e., overcome challenges).

The Psychology of Investor Decision Making

Understanding how investors think can significantly improve your funding needs slide.

  • Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Highlight the massive market opportunity and the potential for rapid growth. Create a sense of urgency without being overly aggressive.
  • Risk Mitigation: Address potential risks and challenges upfront. Show how your funding request will help you mitigate these risks.
  • Return on Investment (ROI): Clearly outline the potential return on investment for investors. Use clear metrics and projections to support your claims.

Advanced Financial Modeling

While a basic breakdown of your funding allocation is essential, sophisticated financial modelling can set you apart.

  • Scenario Analysis: Present multiple financial scenarios to demonstrate your ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
  • Sensitivity Analysis: Show how your projections might change under different assumptions (e.g., changes in customer acquisition cost, revenue per user).
  • Valuation Metrics: Use relevant valuation metrics (e.g., customer lifetime value, burn rate) to support your funding request.

The Role of Visuals in Communicating Your Funding Needs

Visuals are powerful tools for conveying complex information.

  • Data Visualization: Use charts, graphs, and infographics to make your financial data easily digestible.
  • Storyboarding: Create visual storyboards to illustrate your business journey and how the funding will accelerate it.
  • Design Consistency: Ensure your funding needs slide aligns visually with the rest of your pitch deck for a cohesive look and feel.

Leveraging the Power of Social Proof

Social proof, such as endorsements from industry experts, early adopters, or strategic partners, can significantly enhance your funding needs slide.

Check out Airbnb’s Testimonials slide.


  • Testimonials: Include quotes from satisfied customers or partners to build credibility.
  • Media Coverage: Highlight any media coverage your business has received to demonstrate market interest.
  • Awards and Recognition: Showcase any awards or recognitions your company has earned.

Continuous Improvement

The world of startups is dynamic. Your funding needs will evolve over time.

  • Iterative Process: Treat your funding needs pitch deck slide as a living document. Be prepared to update it as your business grows.
  • Seek Feedback: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from investors and mentors.

By incorporating these advanced strategies into your funding needs slide, you'll create a powerful document that not only secures investment but also positions your company for long-term success.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Funding Needs Slide

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Lack of Clarity and Specificity

  • Vague goals: Avoid generic statements like "We need money to grow". Clearly articulate your specific objectives.
  • Unclear spending plans: Investors want to know exactly how the funds will be allocated. Avoid overly broad categories.

Overpromising and Under Delivering

  • Unrealistic projections: Inflated revenue forecasts or overly optimistic growth projections can damage your credibility.
  • Ignoring potential challenges: Investors appreciate transparency. Acknowledging potential hurdles demonstrates your realism.

Neglecting the Investor's Perspective

  • Focusing solely on your needs: Remember, investors are looking for a return on their investment. Highlight how their money will generate value.
  • Ignoring competitive landscape: Understanding your competition helps investors assess your potential for success.

Poor Visual Presentation

  • Complex financial models: Avoid overwhelming investors with intricate spreadsheets. Simplify complex data with visual aids.
  • Inconsistent design: Maintain a consistent look and feel throughout your pitch deck, including the funding needs slide.

Insufficient Research

  • Lack of industry knowledge: Demonstrate a deep understanding of your industry and market trends.
  • Uninformed funding request: Not aligning your funding ask with industry standards can raise red flags when fundraising.

Common Mistakes in Financial Projections

  • Ignoring expenses: Don't forget to include all operational costs, including salaries, rent, and marketing expenses.
  • Overlooking taxes: Factor in taxes to get a realistic picture of your financial performance.
  • Underestimating burn rate: Accurately calculate your cash burn rate to determine your funding needs.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can create a funding needs slide that effectively communicates your business's potential and attracts the right investors.

Your Funding Needs Slide is The Cornerstone of Your Pitch Deck.

Crafting a compelling funding needs slide is an art and a science. It's about more than just stating a figure; it's about telling a story that resonates with investors, showcasing your understanding of the market, and demonstrating your financial knowledge.

Remember, your funding needs slide is a reflection of your overall business strategy.

By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can create a pitch deck that not only secures investment but also educates your potential employees on your vision and the task ahead.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clarity is king: Be specific about your funding goals and spending plans.
  • Tell a story: Weave your funding needs into the broader narrative of your business.
  • Show, don't tell: Use visuals to enhance your financial data.
  • Build investor confidence: Demonstrate financial discipline and realistic expectations.
  • Continuous improvement: Treat your funding needs page as a living document.

Next Steps:

  1. Evaluate your current funding needs slide: Assess its clarity, specificity, and alignment with your overall pitch deck.
  2. Gather feedback: Seek input from mentors, advisors, and potential investors.
  3. Refine your story: Craft a compelling narrative around your funding request.
  4. Enhance visuals: Use data visualization to make your financial information more engaging.
  5. Leverage tools: Utilize platforms like Score My Deck to get expert feedback on your pitch deck, including your funding needs page.

Ready to elevate your Pitch Deck's funding needs Slide ?

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