In today’s world of artificial intelligence (AI), it’s not uncommon to see AI being used for almost everything. From virtual assistants to self-driving cars, the impact of AI is vast and far-reaching. In this article, we’ll explore how startups can ensure their pitch decks are machine-readable, making them more accessible to a broader audience, including AI-powered tools.
The Challenge of Human-Centric Pitch Decks
Traditionally, the main audience for pitch decks has been human – investors, venture capitalists, and other potential stakeholders. As such, pitch decks have been designed to impress and inform with creative designs, compelling images, and carefully crafted content. However, with the rise of AI-powered tools, startups are now facing a new challenge: making their decks accessible to machines.
The Example of My AI Tool
As the creator of an AI tool that gives feedback on hundreds of pitch decks, I can attest to the challenges of machine-readability. Every morning, I skim through the pitch deck reviews my little bot makes without really looking at the decks. While it’s stratospherically effusive in its praise sometimes, I often worry about the bot missing something that’s actually good. Conversely, when it completely slaughters a deck, I get worried about the bot being off-base.
In one particular instance, I had to send an apology to a founder because their deck was absolutely massacred by the bot. Upon further investigation, I realized that the founders chose to turn the text into images to be more design-forward with the titles, and the bot failed to correctly identify the slides. Consequently, the bot gave feedback on the team slide as if it were the competitor slide.
Why Machine-Readability Matters
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: making your pitch decks machine-readable is crucial in today’s AI-driven world. With an ever-increasing number of startups vying for the attention of venture capitalists (VCs), many VCs are using AI-powered tools to sift through pitch decks. For example, Deckmatch offers this as a service, and Moody’s has even agreed to acquire Cape Analytics, which develops geospatial AI for insurance providers.
How to Make Your Pitch Deck Machine-Readable
So, how can startups ensure their pitch decks are machine-readable? Here are some tips:
- Use clear and concise language: Avoid using jargon or overly complex terminology that might confuse machines.
- Keep it simple: Use a clean and simple design, avoiding cluttered layouts or images that might be difficult for AI to interpret.
- Label your slides clearly: Use descriptive labels on each slide to help AI understand the content of each page.
- Use consistent formatting: Stick to a consistent font, size, and style throughout your deck to make it easier for machines to read.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making your pitch decks machine-readable is no longer just a nicety – it’s a necessity in today’s AI-driven world. By following these simple tips, startups can ensure their decks are accessible not only to humans but also to AI-powered tools. This will help them increase their chances of securing funding and taking their business to the next level.
About the Author
Haje Jan Kamps is a seasoned journalist and TV producer with a passion for photography. He has founded several companies, spent time in the VC world, and written a book about pitching startups to investors. Follow him on Twitter @Haje or visit his website at Haje.me.
Related Topics
- AI
- EC How To
- Fundraising
- Pitch deck
- Startups
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