Written by: Freddie Lassados

Compiled by: AididiaoJP, Foresight News

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

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

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

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

We need to clarify one point:

Your presentation is not to explain your project narrative.

But to secure the next stage meeting opportunity.

Most presentations fail because of: over-explanation, lack of selling points, burying the focus.

Before diving deep, make a quick note: not all VC funds will only spend 30 seconds on the presentation. Top VC funds will take time to research, ask critical questions, and genuinely want to understand your project, but too many funds, especially in the early stages, won't do this. You won't know what type of VC you're facing before you enter the meeting room. So design your presentation for the worst-case scenario (i.e., scattered attention). If they can really dive deep, that's great. But first, you need to get them to take the 'next step'.

Here are ways to make your presentation stand out.

Your presentation task is simple:

  • Tell a good story

  • Showcase the strength of the founders

  • Clearly indicate that you're worth investing in

You're not trying to persuade others, but giving them a reason to dive deeper.

Make them feel:

"Okay, here's something. Let's take a closer look."

At this point, your Notion deep documentation will come into play, not before.

The presentation is a stepping stone; the memo is the tool that solidifies investor confidence.

Of course, in a call, you'd want to know if this investor is actually smart, understands the field, and aligns with your vision, but that's a later concern.

Right now, your task is just to get them willing to take your call.

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

The truly important slides.

Forget those cookie-cutter templates. What you really need at the seed stage of Web3 is:

An impressive tagline

Be concise and impactful, making it memorable.

Bad example: 'A decentralized infrastructure protocol.'

Good example: 'On-chain payment version of Stripe built for modular Rollup.'

The world is changing

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

It's not just 'Why now?', but 'Why is it still early for you to enter?'

Your viewpoint

Your unique perspective, showing what you've seen that others haven't.

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

Why you?

Execution determines everything; prove you can deliver results.

Highlight past achievements, successful recruitment cases, and early progress to clearly show you're unstoppable.

Long-term planning

What will it look like after scaling?

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

Trend > 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 gain enough traction for the next round of funding, and what will happen if you succeed.

Trends and market size matter, but the narrative is key to getting your first 'yes'.

Token design (understated)

Seed stage does not require complete token economics; just indicate that your thoughts are clear.

Who will get what? Why are tokens important?

Funding needs

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

What is the valuation?

What is the purpose of the funds?

It's not just about looking professional; it also helps venture capitalists judge whether this deal fits their fund.

Is the amount of funding you're raising too little, making them reluctant to engage? Is it too much, exceeding their investment limits? Does it fit their investment stage?

Keeping clarity here can save time for both parties.

Don't play tricks, don't be ambiguous. Just show that you're serious and know what you're doing.

What makes a presentation stand out?

  • Clear narrative

  • No fluff

  • Concise visuals, sharp copy

  • Founders expressing 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're selling is: why this project? Why now? Why you?

Execution remains important; showcase it early.

Save the deep Notion documentation for after you've captured their attention.

Clearly outline funding needs; this will filter for suitable funds.

Show the market, but let momentum and vision lead.

Get to the point faster than venture capitalists can scroll.

Don't test their IQ, just strive for a meeting opportunity.