Top 10 Most Common Pitch Deck Mistakes with Haje Jan Kamps | LITE Talks

Welcome to our new series “LITE Talks – Ideas that spark LITE,” where we share expert insights in Leadership, Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. From startup strategy to emotional intelligence, each talk delivers real-world wisdom from experienced founders, builders, and thought leaders—designed to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers.

As the founder and pitch coach at Pitch Guide, Haje helps startups refine their pitches and connect with investors. With over 5 years of experience in this role, Haje has seen the startup ecosystem from multiple angles, having been a founder, director of portfolio at a venture capital firm, and reporter at TechCrunch. He is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to communicate their vision effectively and confidently.

Highlights:

• 📖 Storytelling is Crucial for Venture Capital

  • Investors want more than just numbers; they want a compelling story. A successful pitch should focus on articulating your market size, scalability, and long-term growth potential to stand out and appeal to VCs who seek substantial returns.

• 👩💼 Founder-Market Fit Matters

  • Investors are looking for founders who have the expertise, passion, and network to execute their vision. Founder-market fit ensures that the entrepreneur is well-equipped to lead and grow the business.

• 📊 Traction Over Potential

  • Investors value proven progress over future potential. Demonstrating traction—whether through revenue, partnerships, or strong user adoption—proves your business is viable and gaining momentum, which builds investor confidence.

• ⚡ Execution Beats First-Mover Advantage

  • Being first to market is less important than execution. Investors value adaptability, strategic decision-making, and the ability to navigate challenges successfully over simply being a pioneer in a market.

• 💸 VC Funding Isn’t Always Necessary

  • Venture capital isn't always the right path. Founders should also consider bootstrapping and ensure that any investors they bring on board are aligned with their long-term goals and vision.