Crafting a Winning Pitch Deck: Core Slides Every Pitch Deck Needs
- Metro Region Innovation Hub
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
If you're an entrepreneur building a startup in Washington, Clackamas, or Multnomah County, your pitch deck can open doors—to investors, accelerators, grants, and partnerships across Oregon’s innovation ecosystem.
At the Metro Region Innovation Hub, we know just how important it is to tell your story in a clear, compelling, and scalable way. Whether you're applying to a program like Latino Founders, seeking funding from Elevate Capital or the Oregon Venture Fund, or pitching to local stakeholders, your pitch deck is your foot in the door.
But what exactly makes a great pitch deck—and how can Oregon founders stand out?
To continue supporting Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, we’ve created this guide highlighting the core slides every pitch deck needs.
What Is A Pitch Deck?
A pitch deck is a visual storytelling tool. Typically 10–15 slides, it communicates your startup’s vision, business model, traction, and most importantly—why you matter.
It’s not about closing the deal on the spot, but about sparking interest and moving the conversation forward.
Why It Matters to Oregon Founders
From bioscience and clean tech to software and consumer goods, Oregon's Washington, Clackamas, or Multnomah Counties are alive with innovation. But many local founders—especially those from underserved communities—face challenges in navigating resources or accessing capital.
This is where a polished, compelling pitch deck makes all the difference. It's your chance to clearly communicate your value to funders, grant-makers, and partners—locally and beyond.
Core Slides Every Pitch Deck Needs
If you're a startup in Washington, Clackamas, or Multnomah County, here’s what your pitch deck should include:
The Problem
Clearly define the pain point your business addresses. Make it relatable by sharing a personal story or firsthand experience that led you to discover the problem.
Showing how it impacted you—or someone close to you—can help investors and partners connect emotionally with the need and better understand why solving it matters.
Your Solution
Present your product or service as the clear answer to the problem you’ve identified. Emphasize what makes your solution unique, impactful, and better than current alternatives.
Highlight the value it brings to users or customers in a tangible way.
Market Opportunity
Demonstrate the size and potential of your target market using credible data.
Show there’s a real, scalable opportunity—and that you understand who your ideal customer is and how to reach them.
Product Demo
Bring your offering to life through visuals. Whether it’s a screenshot, mockup, or short video, show how your product works and why it matters.
Keep the focus on user experience and benefits.
Business Model
Clearly explain how your business generates revenue. Outline your pricing strategy, revenue streams, and customer acquisition plans.
Make it easy to understand how you’ll sustain and scale.
Traction & Milestones
Build confidence by sharing real progress. Highlight key wins—early revenue, partnerships, user growth, pilots, product launches—that validate your concept and show forward momentum.
Your Team
Investors back people as much as ideas. Showcase the passion, experience, and unique strengths your team brings. If relevant, explain how your lived experience positions you to succeed in solving this problem.
Competition
Acknowledge existing players and show you’ve done your homework. Highlight what sets you apart—whether it’s innovation, pricing, access, or insight—and why your approach is the right one.
Financials
Offer a high-level look at your financial outlook. Share realistic projections, key metrics, and the assumptions behind them. Keep it simple, credible, and aligned with your growth plans.
The Ask
Be direct about what you’re seeking—funding, partnerships, mentorship, or something else. Explain how the support will be used and the impact it will have on your next stage of growth.
Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overloading your slides with text, using jargon-heavy language, or being vague about your goals.
And don’t ignore risks—acknowledging challenges and how you’ll tackle them shows maturity and strategic thinking.
How the Metro Region Innovation Hub Can Help
Here are 3 ways the Metro Region Innovation Hub can help early-stage founders in Oregon's Washington, Clackamas, or Multnomah Counties with:
Resource Navigation: find pitch coaching, slide design help, or founder-focused workshops
Mentorship Connections: get feedback from seasoned startup mentors and business advisors
Skills-Building Opportunities: we collaborate with regional partners to offer pitch workshops, storytelling labs, and more!
You don’t have to go it alone.
Ready to Build Your Winning Pitch Deck?
Let’s get your idea the attention it deserves. If you're a founder in Washington, Clackamas, or Multnomah County, connect with a Hub Navigator today.
We'll guide you toward the right resources to strengthen your pitch, refine your messaging, and move your startup forward.
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