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1. The "Wall of Text" Slide
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"Your deck should be a visual guide, not a novel. If an investor has to read for more than 10 seconds per slide, you've already lost them."
2. Vague Market Size Claims
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- TAM (Total Addressable Market): The overall revenue opportunity.
- SAM (Serviceable Available Market): The segment you can target with your current business model.
- SOM (Serviceable Obtainable Market): The portion of SAM you can realistically capture.
3. No Clear "Ask"
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4. Ignoring the Competition
Saying "we have no competition" is a major red flag. It shows a lack of market research. Acknowledging competitors and clearly defining your unique value proposition is far more powerful.
5. Unrealistic Financial Projections
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Conclusion
Your pitch deck is your first impression. By avoiding these common mistakes, you position yourself as a prepared, knowledgeable, and credible founder, dramatically increasing your chances of securing the funding you need to build your vision.