First Slide of Your Pitch Deck Matters More Than You Think
August, 2025
The first few seconds of an investor reviewing a pitch deck can determine whether a startup is remembered or overlooked.
A study by Stanford Graduate School of Business, based on more than 10,000 real-world cases, shows that 67% of investors make an initial decision based on the first slide alone. At the same time, only 8% of teams receive a positive evaluation during pitches, highlighting how competitive and selective the process is.
The research indicates that the most successful teams immediately present a clear and compelling value proposition. In those first moments, investors subconsciously seek answers to three essential questions: what the company does, why it matters, and why they should care.
If a pitch deck fails to communicate these points quickly and clearly, the startup risks being lost among countless others. However, a strong opening slide can secure an investor’s attention and open the door to deeper interest and discussion.
For founders building tech-driven startups with strong potential, Axel continues to support teams that understand the importance of clarity, focus, and impact from the very first slide.
The research indicates that the most successful teams immediately present a clear and compelling value proposition. In those first moments, investors subconsciously seek answers to three essential questions: what the company does, why it matters, and why they should care.
If a pitch deck fails to communicate these points quickly and clearly, the startup risks being lost among countless others. However, a strong opening slide can secure an investor’s attention and open the door to deeper interest and discussion.
For founders building tech-driven startups with strong potential, Axel continues to support teams that understand the importance of clarity, focus, and impact from the very first slide.
