Fundraising for a Series A isn’t like raising your Seed. You (hopefully) have your early VCs backing you, some internal participation lined up, and a real business taking shape. But expectations are higher now. Investors want to see a company with a clear mission and achievements. That means your deck needs to show where you're going and what you've already proven: traction, clarity, and a focused plan to grow.

What Makes a Great Series A Deck?

At this stage, investors are evaluating:

• Momentum: Clear signs of traction: growth metrics, revenue, usage, retention.
• Team: Founders who can execute and scale.
• Vision: A big market and a product uniquely positioned to win.
• Clarity: A compelling story told simply and confidently.

Your deck should demonstrate all of the above while leaving room for conversation. Keep it tight, visual, and founder-led.

Created by our team at Vertex Ventures, this investor deck template reflects what we (and many other VCs) look for in a solid Series A presentation. Customize it to reflect your voice and metrics, and use it as a foundation.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kDX7lutEyi0I5WqFAVpvGtxtiCwL2S2W_Sih953QE30/edit?usp=drivesdk

Pro Tips for Founders

• Don’t overload slides, each one should make a clear point.
• Tell a story: Problem → Solution → Traction → Why Now → Vision.
• Include backup slides for deeper dives (e.g., detailed metrics, product roadmap, org chart).
• Practice your narrative with non-technical and technical audiences alike.

Additional Resources

Khosla Ventures: Pitch the way VCs Think:A guide designed to help founders structure their startup pitch by aligning it with how venture capitalists evaluate opportunities.

Pitch the way VCs think by Khosla_Ventures.pdf