Sample seed pitch deck: Xpanceo’s $40M deck
Xpanceo is betting large on turning us all into cyborgs with good contact lenses, securing a cool $40 million to make our sci-fi goals a actuality. Co-founders Roman Axelrod and Valentyn S. Volkov are on a mission to ditch conventional devices and make everybody’s eyes the brand new screens. Who wants smartphones when you possibly can blink to browse? As they push the boundaries of what’s potential with optoelectronics and new supplies, one can’t assist however surprise if we’re heading towards a future the place shedding your contacts may imply lacking your subsequent Zoom assembly.
We’re in search of extra distinctive pitch decks to tear down, so if you wish to submit your individual, right here’s how you are able to do that.
Slides on this deck
Xpanceo has shared its full presentation deck, consisting of 19 slides, with TechCrunch. Though the slide listing means that the staff has coated all the pieces, a more in-depth have a look at the deck’s contents reveals that some areas won’t be as complete as they appear.
- Cowl slide
- Problem
- Resolution
- Product
- Worth proposition
- B2C: Use instances
- B2B: Industries
- Traction
- Contact lens customers
- Market dimension
- Income forecast
- Competitors
- What’s Xpanceo? interstitial
- Overview
- Applied sciences
- Pioneering R&D in optical evaluation
- Workforce
- Roadmap
- Closing slide
Three issues to like about Xpanceo’s pitch deck
There’s lots of actually good storytelling taking place right here.
A slice of historical past
[Slide 2] A transparent downside assertion. Picture Credit: Xpanceo
The presentation successfully begins with a transparent downside assertion, setting the stage for a targeted dialogue on the challenges and alternatives within the realm of augmented actuality (AR) and wearable know-how. This rationalization is essential, because it instantly frames the problems that Xpanceo is addressing with its revolutionary good contact lens challenge. By articulating the issues upfront, the deck ensures that the viewers understands the context and significance of the know-how being developed, which is important for garnering help and enthusiasm for the challenge. I really like that.
The inclusion of a timeline detailing the evolution of computing know-how inside the presentation is especially intelligent. This historic perspective not solely educates the viewers in regards to the development and milestones in computing but additionally situates Xpanceo’s work inside a bigger narrative of technological development — and plenty of of these developments made lots of traders very rich certainly.
What’s the issue with AR?
Addressing the shortcomings of AR because it stands, the presentation acknowledges that the tech has not but achieved widespread adoption primarily as a consequence of poor product choices which have didn’t resonate with customers. That is true, and it reveals that Xpanceo is conscious of the hurdles confronted by earlier AR applied sciences and is dedicated to overcoming these challenges.
[Slide 3] Easing into the “answer” is a superb method. Picture Credit: Xpanceo
There’s an enormous distinction between a “answer” and a “product” slide. Xpanceo’s take right here is refreshingly clear on the variations.
The answer slide is strategic in nature, emphasizing a broader, extra adaptable method fairly than focusing solely on the product. This strategic mindset is essential, because it shifts the emphasis from the specifics of the product to the underlying philosophy of problem-solving.
I really like that the answer is articulated in a transparent and accessible manner, intentionally avoiding extreme element. This readability is important for speaking successfully with stakeholders, together with traders, potential clients and staff members. By maintaining the answer simple and simple to know, the staff ensures that everybody concerned has a strong grasp of the core idea and goals. This degree of transparency fosters belief and alignment amongst all events, which is vital for collaborative efforts and the general success of the challenge.
From there, you possibly can drop into the main points: the product.
So right here’s what the corporate’s really as much as
Once more, Xpanceo does an amazing job:
[Slide 4] This slide attracts traders in. Picture Credit: Xpanceo
The product slide does a superb job of presenting the product in a transparent and fascinating method, avoiding the frequent pitfall of descending into overly technical language that may alienate or confuse the viewers. This method is especially highly effective given the complicated nature of the know-how concerned.
Good contact lenses that combine superior computing capabilities instantly into the person’s visible area seems like magic. Nonetheless, by sustaining simple and accessible language, the slide ensures that the innovation may be understood and appreciated by a broad viewers, which is essential for producing curiosity and help amongst potential traders.
I significantly love how this readability helps set the stage for deeper discussions, all with out getting misplaced within the complicated technological language that little question occurs within the lab. It strikes the precise steadiness between simplicity and informativeness.
Three issues that Xpanceo may have improved
This deck is absolutely good. However is it excellent?
Nope. Let’s dive in.
What are you elevating?
What? Picture Credit: Getty Photos
The most important downside with the Xpanceo deck isn’t what’s in there, however fairly what isn’t.
One crucial aspect lacking from the deck is the “ask” slide, which is important when looking for enterprise capital funding. It’s shocking how usually founders overlook this part of their pitch decks. When elevating cash, it’s not the time to be reticent or oblique. Clearly stating what’s being requested for — be it staffing, sources or partnerships — demonstrates to potential traders a well-thought-out plan and a critical dedication to the startup’s future. This helps traders rapidly perceive the wants and assess whether or not they align with their funding standards.
Together with a selected ask within the presentation additionally conveys that there’s a reasonable understanding of what the startup requires to succeed. It reveals that cautious consideration has been given to how a lot funding is required, what it will likely be used for, and the way it will assist the corporate obtain its targets. This degree of element and transparency provides credibility to the pitch and instills confidence in potential traders in regards to the administration and planning capabilities. It positions the entrepreneurs as critical people who should not merely experimenting however are dedicated to constructing a sustainable enterprise.
B2B or B2C: You may’t have each
Slides 6 and seven make a case for each a B2B and a B2C mannequin. That’s not an amazing name.
[Slide 6] A use-case brainstorm is intelligent, nevertheless it’s vital to provide you with the actual use instances that drive the funding choice. Picture Credit: Xpanceo
B2B and B2C enterprise fashions are basically completely different beasts. Only a few firms are in a position to do properly with one technique, by no means thoughts each.
B2C gross sales are distinguished by direct interactions with particular person customers, specializing in emotional engagement, model id, and creating customized buyer experiences. This mannequin thrives on quick gross sales cycles and speedy buy selections, making it essential for firms to put money into understanding client behaviors and crafting advertising and marketing methods that resonate on a private degree. Even when firms sometimes buy below a B2C mannequin, they need to be handled as customers within the gross sales course of to keep up simplicity and effectivity in advertising and marketing efforts.
Conversely, B2B gross sales contain extra complicated transactions with different companies, characterised by longer gross sales cycles, larger transaction values, and a deal with sensible advantages and cost-effectiveness. This mannequin requires robust, credible relationships and sometimes entails personalized options to fulfill particular enterprise wants. Whereas it’s much less frequent, customers could generally interact with merchandise designed for enterprise use, highlighting the flexibleness required in gross sales methods. Finally, specializing in a B2B or B2C gross sales group ought to align with the startup’s core capabilities and strategic targets, shaping the narrative of their startup pitch to draw potential traders.
Making an attempt to do each gained’t work, so choose one, and clarify why that’s the precise selection.
The market sizing fallacy
[Slide 9] Certain, there are lots of contact lens customers. However are they actually a proxy for Xpanceo clients? Picture Credit: Xpanceo
When assessing the potential market dimension for Xpanceo’s contact lenses, it’s essential to distinguish the character of the product from conventional contact lenses. Or, put in a different way: Is the marketplace for Xpanceo’s product people who find themselves already carrying contacts? The corporate appears to assume that everybody who wears contacts desires good contacts. However that’s most likely not correct.
Xpanceo’s choices should not merely a substitute for spectacles for optical correction however fairly operate as a wearable system. This distinction is critical as a result of the goal marketplace for Xpanceo could not align instantly with the prevailing base of contact lens customers. As an alternative of evaluating the full variety of contact lens wearers, a extra related metric is perhaps the utilization of associated know-how equivalent to smartphones or smartwatches, which displays a tech-savvy client base extra prone to undertake new wearable applied sciences. This method may also help in figuring out not only a broad viewers, but additionally one that’s extra prone to embrace revolutionary merchandise.
Xpanceo’s go-to-market technique performs a pivotal position in figuring out its main client phase. If the product is designed for mass market consumption, the technique ought to deal with figuring out and fascinating an early adopter group. This group usually consists of tech fans who’re eager on exploring and adopting cutting-edge applied sciences. These early adopters may present the preliminary traction wanted to penetrate the market, performing as influencers and validators for the broader client base. Their suggestions can also be invaluable in the case of refining the product and enhancing its attraction to subsequent patrons.
I feel the corporate is making an attempt to indicate that its market is big, however I doubt that contact lens wearers are a proxy. I put on contacts, however solely once I’m doing contact sports activities (martial arts or scuba diving). However even when I had by no means worn contacts a day of my life, I’d be desirous to strive the Xpanceo answer.
I feel the corporate is making an attempt to check oranges to Apple computer systems.
The total pitch deck
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