What you are selling is: why this project? Why now? Why you?

Written by: Freddie Lassados.

Compilation: AididiaoJP, Foresight News.

Why do most Web3 founders still send presentations like it's 2020?

Web3 venture capital analysts typically review 20 presentations a day, switching between Telegram, market charts, and Twitter while sipping coffee and chewing nicotine gum.

You may only have 30 seconds to capture their attention, or they will check the 'next one.'

They won't read your 40-page long Notion essay now, at least not at this moment.

We need to clarify one point:

Your presentation is not meant to explain your project narrative.

But rather to secure the meeting opportunity for the next stage.

The main reasons most presentations fail are: over-explanation, lack of selling points, and burying the key message.

Before diving in, let me clarify one thing: not all venture capital funds will spend only 30 seconds on a presentation. Top VC funds will take the time to study, ask critical questions, and genuinely want to understand your project, but too many funds, especially in the early stages, do not do this. You won't know what type of VC you are facing before you enter the meeting room. So design your presentation for the worst-case scenario (i.e., a distracted audience). If they truly can dive deep, great. But first, you need to get them to the 'next step.'

Here are ways to make your presentation stand out.

Your presentation task is simple:

  • Tell a good story.

  • Showcase the founder's strength.

  • Clearly indicate that you are worth investing in.

You are not trying to convince others; you are giving them a reason to dive deeper.

Make them feel:

'Okay, there's something here. Let's dive deeper.'

At this point, your Notion deep document will come in handy, not before this.

A presentation is a stepping stone; a memo is the tool to solidify investor confidence.

Of course, in a conference call, you want to know if this investor is really smart, if they understand the field, and if they align with your vision, but that's a later discussion.

Now, your task is simply to get them to want to take your call.

At this stage, they are just scanning for key signals that interest them.

The truly important slides.

Forget those cookie-cutter templates. What you really need at the seed round stage is:

A tagline that leaves an impression.

Be concise and powerful, making it memorable.

A bad example: 'A decentralized infrastructure protocol.'

A great example: 'An on-chain payment version of Stripe built for modular Rollups.'

The world is changing.

Start with change. What are the emerging possibilities? What are the macro breakthroughs?

This is not just 'why now?', but 'why is it still early for you to enter?'

Your viewpoint.

Your unique perspective, showing what you see that others do not.

Great venture investors invest in 'unique advantages,' not 'consensus.'

Why you?

Execution determines everything; prove that you can deliver results.

Highlight past achievements, successful recruitments, and early progress to clearly show your unstoppable momentum.

Long-term planning.

What will it look like after scaling?

Even if there are no tokens now, make it clear that you have considered the issue of value capture.

Trends > Market (but don't skip the market).

You still need to show the potential of this market, but relying solely on market size charts won't get you investment.

Focus on who will care, why now, how you will gain enough traction for the next funding round, and what happens if you succeed.

Trends and market size are important, but the narrative is key to getting that first 'yes.'

Token design (light touch).

The seed round stage doesn't require full token economics; just show that your thoughts are clear.

Who will get what? Why is the token important?

Funding needs.

How much do you plan to raise? In what manner? (SAFE + token attached agreement? SAFT? Equity?)

What is the valuation?

What is the use of funds?

This is not just about looking professional; it also helps venture investors determine if this deal fits their fund.

Is the funding you're raising too little, making them disinterested? Is it too much, exceeding their investment limits? Does it fit their investment stage?

Staying clear here can save time for both parties.

Don't be flashy, don't be ambiguous. Just show that you are serious and know what you are doing.

What makes a presentation stand out?

  • Clear narrative.

  • No fluff.

  • Concise visuals, sharp copy.

  • The founder expresses confidence.

If your presentation reads like it was written by AI, start over.

Summary.

Your presentation is a trailer, not a white paper.

What you are selling is: why this project? Why now? Why you?

Execution is still important; showcase it early.

Save the Notion deep document for after you attract their interest.

Clearly state funding needs, which will filter out suitable funds.

Showcase the market, but let momentum and vision lead.

Get to the point faster than the VC swiping through screens.

Don't test their IQ, just aim to secure the meeting opportunity.