This free eBook goes over the 10 slides every startup pitch deck has to include, based on what we learned from analyzing 500+ pitch decks, including those from Airbnb, Uber and Spotify.
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Cirrus Identity clearly defines the problem by focusing on inefficiencies in user onboarding and identity management, specifically within the higher education sector. This niche focus immediately establishes expertise and a clear target customer. The pain points are practical and relatable for their target market, centering on operational friction and cost.
Our Tip: Frame the problem through a relatable story or a powerful statistic to create an immediate emotional connection with investors.
The pitch presents a straightforward solution focused on streamlined access and fast onboarding, directly addressing the previously stated problems. Their value proposition is strengthened by highlighting tangible benefits like cost savings and an improved user experience. The deck successfully connects the solution's features to clear, desirable outcomes for their target institutions.
Our Tip: Visually demonstrate the "before and after" of your solution to make its impact instantly understandable and compelling.
Cirrus Identity effectively quantifies the opportunity by providing both the total addressable market ($9B global enterprise identity) and their specific serviceable market ($1.3B U.S. higher education). This top-down approach shows ambition while grounding the immediate strategy in a focused, accessible segment. Mentioning their niche focus validates their go-to-market plan and demonstrates a clear understanding of where they can win.
Our Tip: Bolster market size numbers with bottom-up analysis, showing how many customers you can realistically acquire and at what price point.
The traction slide is powerful, leading with hard metrics like $225K in Annual Recurring Revenue and an impressive 86% gross margin. These numbers serve as concrete validation that customers are willing to pay for the solution and that the business model is financially sound. Mentioning a client like Carnegie Mellon adds significant social proof and credibility within their target vertical.
Our Tip: Showcase traction momentum by presenting key metrics over time, such as month-over-month or quarter-over-quarter growth charts.
Cirrus Identity demonstrates the power of dominating a specific market segment—U.S. higher education—before tackling a broader one. This focus makes their go-to-market strategy credible and their value proposition sharp. Apply this by clearly defining your initial target customer and proving you can win there first.
The deck’s strength lies in its use of hard numbers like $225K ARR and an 86% gross margin to validate the business model. These figures transform abstract claims into tangible proof of a financially sound operation. Replace vague assertions in your own deck with specific, verifiable data to build investor confidence.
