Sales Deck Guide for Startups

How to support a credible, relevant, and action-oriented first customer discussion?

Are you looking for a Sales Deck guide for Startups? Since 2017, we work with Deep Tech entrepreneurs across Europe, USA, and Israel to get them in front of relevant decision makers, to bring unique Tech to Market. Also, during those years, we’ve seen hundreds of sales decks and experienced many more sales discussions.

As a result, seeing what works and what doesn’t, this Startup Guide captures our experience for Entrepreneurs who are ready to win their first customers and beyond. Certainly, we know that no sales deck is ‘standard’. However, based on our experience, we highlighted key content, which you should adjust to your needs.

Are you interested like us in growth, sales and technology? Have a look at our Sparksense newsletter and connect with a community of B2B Tech Entrepreneurs. Want to learn more? Let’s talk.

YOU SHOULD DO FOR YOUR SALES DECK

Prepare, prepare and prepare some more – what questions can come up? Build credible industry know-how and rehearse your delivery.
Speak only 20% of the time – encourage interaction, ask questions. Uncover their challenges and valuable pricing-related information.
Illustrate problem-solution fit – show challenges your customers have been facing. Give examples of how you have resolved such problems.
Stay SMART action focused – address key points NOW. Leave no ambiguity about what’s next.

YOU SHOULD NOT DO FOR YOUR SALES DECK

Start with presenting your slides – this becomes a one-way pitch. You will learn nothing from this meeting you worked so much to arrange.
Overload with information – it can overwhelm your audience, leading to confusion and disengagement. Keep your slide content clean and focused.
Use generic messaging – you do not show genuine interest in the prospect’s business and priorities. Generic presentations do not connect and are forgotten quickly.
Use excessive technical jargon – this can alienate your audience, especially if they are not experts in your field. Keep your language clear and accessible.

As a result, this Power of your Sales Deck guide for Startups to win new customers and engage in sustainable Business Development relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions on Sales Presentation

How can a startup make its sales deck credible and relevant?

Prepare thoroughly, research your prospect’s industry, and focus on problem‑solution fit. Show real examples of how you’ve solved similar challenges, using clear and tailored messaging for each decision‑maker.

What should I avoid when presenting my sales deck?

Don’t start with a one‑way slide pitch. Avoid generic messaging, information overload, and excessive technical jargon, these disengage prospects and reduce trust. Keep it relevant, concise, and easy to follow.

How can a sales deck drive action in first‑customer meetings?

Structure your deck to be SMART action‑focused, leave no doubt about next steps. Speak only about 20% of the time, ask questions, and uncover challenges, especially pricing‑related insights, to move the deal forward.