We Asked A VC: How Can Startups Stand Out From The Crowd? Here’s What He Said

Written by Edy Chavassieu, Associate at InMotion Ventures: A fund investing early-stage capital in startups across climate, industrial and enterprise technology.

 

Investor pitches serve two primary purposes: deciding if your startup fits their fund today, or building a relationship for future opportunities.

Once your company passes the thesis check, the VC will begin to form a view on your business: the product, market, vision, numbers and team. Each touchpoint, interaction and slide will influence how the relationship progresses. Put simply, the pitch will make or break an opportunity.

A memorable pitch does the basics incredibly well. It’s about painting a clear and concise picture. It’s an art and a science. The difference between a good and exceptional pitch is often execution, not content. It’s about clear communication, authentic engagement and strong conviction.

Here are ten actionable tactics that’ll help you stand out this fundraising season:

 

1. Respect meeting etiquette – keep all first meetings to 30 minutes maximum

 

Avoid lengthy intros; the VC has looked you up already
Present for 15–20 minutes
Leave 10–15 minutes for Q&A

Most importantly, view this as a discussion, not a monologue. And make sure to arrive on time; this alone puts you in a stronger position than those who are late or don’t show up at all.

 

2. Be intentional about attendees – only bring people who are materially important to both pitch and story

 

If co-founders are unlikely to participate meaningfully in the conversation, spare them the time. There will be other opportunities to engage if conversations progress positively.

 

3. Remember to ask questions – pitching is a two-way process. Treat it as such

 

Test an investor’s knowledge of your market, ask how their fund supports founders beyond capital, and gauge if this is an area that personally excites them. But be sure to research the fund’s thesis and operating model before speaking. Asking for information that is readily available on a VC’s website only signals poor preparation.

 

 

4. Calibrate the level of detail – avoid asking “how technical should I go?”

 

Instead, research who you’re speaking with in advance of the call. Look into their background and skillset. Review their previous investments. Five minutes of research will tell you exactly how to tailor your pitch.

 

5. Know every detail – make sure you objectively understand every aspect of your business

 

Show a clear understanding of the technicalities of your product, your ICP, target accounts, and use cases. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the market. You don’t want an investor telling you about competitors you’ve never heard of.

 

6. Confidence is key – you never get a second chance at a first impression

 

Do not underestimate the impact that a high energy performance will have on an investor’s perception of you and the business, particularly if you’re speaking towards the end of their day. Leave VCs energised, excited and eager to set up the next discussion.

 

7. Keep timelines reasonable – understand what is typical for your vertical and stage

 

Too short a timeline and you might lose VCs that are not able, or willing, to move that fast. Too long a timeline removes the sense of urgency and could suggest a lack of confidence in your ability to raise.

 

8. Use your materials strategically – match your style to your strengths

 

If you’re a strong presenter and can explain your product clearly, do so without a deck. If you need visuals, use them to enhance the conversation rather than distract from it. For complex spaces, share curated reading lists or white papers to position yourself as an industry expert.

 

9. Wrap up strong – take control towards the end of the meeting

 

Always be the one to suggest next steps. Offer to include a demo link or reading list when sharing the deck. Finally, send the materials the same day. Speed and efficiency show you’re “serious” without being pushy, and this is crucial to keep conversations progressing.

 

10. Make every interaction matter – every meeting is an opportunity to grow your network and learn

 

Be personable and try to connect on a human level. Successful VC and founder relationships last many years. Listen for patterns in questions. Treat objections or concerns as free consulting and an opportunity to adapt and refine your pitch.