Crafting an effective scientific pitch deck is an art, especially when it involves communicating complex models and concepts. For nearly a decade, our design studio has been working on complex pitch deck designs from seed to IPO. Unlike software startups, scientists often find it harder to close capital raises. Why? This is partly due to the level of innovation, the associated risks, and often hard-to-prove commercialisation models.
I’ve noticed that, at times, scientists struggle to explain their solutions succinctly to non-scientific audiences. A hot take: VC funds and investment analysts often work within a narrow framework of “innovation,” which can lead them to overlook genuine breakthroughs outside of technology. So, super-smart science founders—it’s not entirely your fault, but here’s a set of design principles to help refine your story and commercial ask.
Your titles tell a story
The title of each slide in your deck is the anchor of your narrative. It shouldn’t be just a content header; it should tell a piece of the overall story. Every title should be a consistent, solution-oriented statement addressing the problem you’re solving, the market need, or a larger planetary concern. Think of it this way: if you were to place all the slide titles into one document, they should read like a coherent script. This approach helps your audience stay engaged and ensures that every part of your pitch is purposeful and connected.
Design the business model
Investors and partners need to quickly understand how your scientific innovation translates into commercial success. Since you’ll need time to explain what you’ve invented, rip the commercial bandaid off early. While your business model may be backed by a complex Excel sheet, the challenge is to simplify it. When scientists visualise their business models in a digestible, diagrammatic format, it becomes more believable.
This approach is rare in the science world, but highly effective. By simplifying and visually representing your business model, you create clarity around commercialisation and give yourself more time to explain the science and innovation. If you’re far from having a business model, do the same with a well-designed roadmap or timeline that visually represents your trajectory.
The 70:30 rule on density
The core of getting a science pitch right is making room for simplified “aha” moments. I suggest using the 70:30 rule for content density: around 70 per cent of your slides should contain substantial information—data, insights, diagrams—while 30 per cent should act as visual “breathers.” These lighter slides might contain a core statement or a single impactful metric. This balance gives your audience the mental space to absorb complex content while the key insights sink in. Avoid “chapter” pages—opt instead for key metrics or core statements that provide natural pauses in the narrative.
Also Read: Save yourselves and stop making these pitch deck mistakes
The back page is your last chance to sell
The last page of your deck shouldn’t be a generic “Any Questions?” slide. Use this opportunity to provide external validation and further resources. Include media coverage, industry articles, or video links that offer credibility. If you don’t yet have media coverage, try securing industry-specific press or articles before going out to raise capital. In case potential investors still don’t fully grasp the science by the end of the deck, providing extra content, such as simplified explainer videos, can help them understand and get them over the line.
Could it go in the appendix?
This is a great exercise for any entrepreneur crafting a pitch deck. Once you’ve created your slides, ask yourself for each one: Can it go in the appendix? Ideally, your deck should be concise—no more than 10 slides. Scientific projects are complex, but the key is to prioritise the content that directly supports why your project is worth investing in. Detailed technical data, case studies, or secondary information can go in the appendix, allowing those interested in a deeper dive to explore further while keeping the core deck streamlined.
Design the conversations around your deck
If I had a penny for every time I’ve overheard or read a founder’s opening line and had no idea what they do! Designing your pitch isn’t just about the slides—you need to have a clear idea of what you’ll say pre-pitch and how you position both yourself and the project.
Whether the pitch happens over email, via video call, or in person, take the time to design the impression you want to give. Want to show you have scale? Open by mentioning co-founders or your executive team. Want to show you have customers? Find a subtle way to weave them into the intro. Role-playing with a team member—or even practicing in front of a mirror—can help refine this approach.
A scientific pitch deck isn’t just about presenting your research—it’s about crafting a narrative that inspires confidence. By following these design principles, you’ll ensure that your deck is strategically designed to communicate the value and potential of your scientific project.
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