If you’re a founder looking for funding, you’ve probably been told a thousand times that you need a great elevator pitch. But what does that actually mean?
An elevator pitch is your company’s story compressed into 30 to 60 seconds — the time it takes to ride an elevator with an investor. The goal isn’t to tell them everything; it’s to make them want to hear more.
Let’s break down exactly how to write one that works.
1. Start With the Problem
Investors hear “we’re building an app for X” a hundred times a day. What they don’t hear enough is why it matters.
Lead with the problem — the real pain point your target users face. Make it specific and relatable.
Example:
“Every year, small restaurants waste thousands of euros on unused ingredients because they don’t have tools to predict demand.”
Simple. Clear. Painful. You’ve got their attention.
2. Show the Solution (Briefly)
Once they understand the problem, introduce your product as the obvious fix. Don’t get lost in features — focus on the value and impact.
Example:
“Our AI-powered platform predicts food demand using past sales and weather data, helping restaurants cut waste by 30%.”
It’s short, measurable, and easy to visualize. You’ve just turned a pain point into a business opportunity.
3. Define Your Market
Now show them that it’s not a small niche problem. Investors want scale.
Who are your customers, and how big is the market opportunity?
Example:
“There are over 1 million small restaurants across Europe — a €50 billion market struggling with the same inefficiency.”
That sentence tells them your startup is not a hobby. It’s a business built for growth.
4. Why You’re the Right Team
Investors bet on people more than ideas. Tell them why you are the team that can pull this off.
Don’t just list CVs — show what makes you credible.
Example:
“Our founders have 10 years of experience in restaurant management and data analytics. We’ve lived the problem and know how to solve it.”
One line. Instant credibility.
5. Show Traction (Even If It’s Early)
Nothing validates a startup like results. If you have users, revenue, pilots, or partnerships — mention them.
If you’re pre-launch, share something that shows momentum or interest.
Example:
“We’ve already signed 20 restaurants for our pilot and are in talks with two major food distributors.”
It signals that others believe in your idea — and that you’re already moving.
6. End With a Clear Ask
Here’s where most founders fumble. They finish their pitch… and stop.
You need to tell investors what you want and why now.
Example:
“We’re raising €500,000 to expand our pilot across Spain and launch our full product next quarter.”
Be specific. Confident. Direct. Don’t leave them guessing.
7. Practice Until It Sounds Natural
Once you’ve written it, practice it — a lot. The best elevator pitches sound effortless, not memorized.
Time yourself. Aim for 45 seconds. Record yourself. Refine every word until it feels like a conversation, not a speech.
Tip: Try your pitch on someone outside your industry. If they don’t get it, investors won’t either.
8. Keep It Human
Founders sometimes turn robotic when pitching. Don’t. You’re not just selling a business; you’re selling belief.
Show enthusiasm. Smile. Speak like a person who truly cares about solving this problem.
Investors don’t just remember facts — they remember how you made them feel.
9. Example of a Complete Elevator Pitch
Here’s how it all comes together:
“Every year, small restaurants throw away thousands of euros in unused ingredients because they can’t predict demand. Our AI platform uses sales and weather data to forecast food needs, helping them cut waste by 30%. There are over 1 million small restaurants across Europe facing the same challenge — a €50 billion opportunity. Our team combines 10 years of restaurant management and data analytics experience. We’ve signed 20 restaurants for our pilot and are now raising €500,000 to expand across Spain and launch our full platform next quarter.”
That’s under 45 seconds, and it ticks every box: problem, solution, market, team, traction, and ask.
10. Final Checklist
Before you call it done, make sure your pitch is:
✅ Clear – No jargon, no fluff.
✅ Concrete – Use numbers and examples.
✅ Concise – Keep it under one minute.
✅ Confident – Believe in what you’re saying.
✅ Conversational – Sound natural and human.
The Bottom Line
Your elevator pitch is not about impressing — it’s about connecting.
It’s your chance to make an investor pause, look at you, and think, “This founder gets it.”
Craft it. Practice it. Own it.
Because sometimes, 45 seconds is all it takes to change your startup’s future.