Manoj Sureka, CEO & Managing Partner, Synergy Fin. Consulting is a recognised leader in the finance and investment sector. Manoj has built a strong reputation for his strategic foresight and ability to foster sustainable business growth.
Prior to Synergy, he served as Head of Commercial Banking at RAKBANK and held key roles at institutions including Mashreq Bank and National Bank of Fujairah. He also serves as a board member and mentor to several companies across diverse industries.
At Synergy Fin. Consulting, the firm provides end-to-end fundraising advisory services through private equity, debt, and trade finance solutions. Their clientele includes SMEs and corporates seeking capital through banks, financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutional investors. Synergy also offers specialised advisory services in mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures.
Q: What is a pitch deck, and why do startups or growing companies need one?
A pitch deck is a presentation that gives potential investors a high-level overview of your business. It helps you communicate your story, business model, traction, and vision — all in a way that inspires confidence. Whether you’re raising equity or venture debt, a strong pitch deck is your first step in investor conversations.
Q: What is the main purpose of a pitch deck?
The primary goal is to grab investor attention and create interest in your business. It serves as a storytelling tool that simplifies complex information and helps secure follow-up meetings. A pitch deck is not about closing a deal immediately — it’s about opening the door.
Q: What should a great pitch deck include?
A winning pitch deck typically includes 10–15 concise slides. Numbers build credibility, Stories build connection, your pitch deck needs both. Here’s what to cover:
- Cover Slide – Company name, logo, and contact details
- Problem – The key issue your business solves
- Solution / Product – How your offering addresses the problem
- Market Opportunity – Size of the target market and its growth potential
- Business Model – How your company makes money
- Traction – Revenue, users, key milestones, partnerships
- Go-to-Market Strategy – How you plan to acquire and retain customers
- Competition – Key competitors and your differentiation
- Team – Founders and leadership team with relevant experience
- Financials – 3–5 year projections (revenue, costs, EBITDA)
- Funding Ask – How much you’re raising and how you’ll use it
- Vision / Closing – Your mission and call to action
Q: What are the common mistakes founders make in their pitch decks?
Founders often overcrowd slides with too much text, making the content hard to follow. Skipping key sections, such as competition or financials, can leave critical gaps. Inconsistent visuals, vague messaging, and unrealistic projections also hurt credibility. Lastly, not clearly stating how much funding is needed and why can weaken investor confidence.
Q: What design tips should I follow for my pitch deck?
Every slide is a window into your business, so it should be clean, focused, and easy to navigate. Use simple fonts and avoid cluttered layouts to keep the viewer’s attention. Replace long paragraphs with visuals like icons, infographics, or charts to communicate key points quickly. Each slide should convey one clear message, and the overall design should align with your brand identity to maintain consistency and professionalism.
Q: What type of funding can I raise with a pitch deck?
A solid pitch deck can help raise equity from angel investors, VCs, or institutions. It’s also useful for revenue-based financing, venture debt, or attracting strategic investment from corporates and family offices.
Q: Final thoughts — how can I make my pitch deck stand out?
Tell a story. Back it up with real numbers. Keep it simple and visually engaging. Your pitch deck is not a data dump — it’s your startup’s voice. It should reflect confidence, clarity, and purpose.
