Why should animation be your tech startup pitch tool? (part 2)

The investment landscape has changed. And… it continues to change. No longer do fat folders with explanations of why your startup is so cool or lengthy PDFs to impress investors. Instead, you should aim for a visual representation of your data – condensed in a video. An animated video.

Welcome back to part two of our series on pitching to investors with the most powerful marketing tool of the decade – video. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into how to create a convincing animated pitch and what elements will make your video stand out to investors. Keep reading!

How to Create a Pitch Video

When you are creating a video with an animated studio or your in-house team, the first thing you need to do is customize it well.

First, consider the nature of your investors. Are they tech-savvy people who understand industry jargon, or are they green-tech enthusiasts focused on how your technology can help the environment? Maybe they are far from being experts in what you do and will look for numbers, potential, and possible ROI.

Emphasize these aspects in your animated pitch. Given the amount of detailed information needed for your pitch deck, it’s best to compile everything into a document for your production partner. The more information you provide, the better. In the last article, we listed the types of pitch decks you can create with a video. Make sure you choose the right one for your specific investors. 

Structure Your Story

Think of your pitch video as a hero’s journey with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

• Act 1: Setting the Stage: Introduce the hero’s world – the current situation and the problem your product or service aims to solve.
• Act 2: Raising the Stakes: Introduce conflict. Explain the shortcomings of existing solutions and highlight the need for your innovative approach.
• Act 3: Introducing the Hero: Position yourself as the solution. Explain how your product or service addresses the problems you identified earlier.

It is a simple story structure. But it works. People connect with stories. Don’t just present facts; craft a narrative that captures the audience’s imagination. Make them feel the urgency of the problem and the excitement of your solution.

Acknowledge Weaknesses

Let’s be honest – any seasoned investor realizes there are some flaws in your project. It is completely normal – it should be like that. So, don’t shy away from addressing potential weaknesses. Highlighting them demonstrates confidence and shows you’ve thought through challenges. Explain how you plan to overcome these obstacles.

Add Video Testimonials

While your story is compelling, adding video testimonials – if you already have them – injects a powerful dose of social proof and authenticity.

Here’s why they’re essential:

Build Trust and Credibility: Investors are bombarded with pitches. Seeing real customers enthusiastically endorse your product or service builds trust and makes your claims more believable.

Emotional Connection: Testimonials go beyond facts and figures. They allow customers to share their positive experiences, creating an emotional connection with the audience. This resonates with viewers who may have similar challenges and needs.

Highlight Specific Benefits: Testimonials can act as mini case studies, showcasing how your product or service solves specific pain points. This reinforces the value proposition you’re presenting.

Work with an Animation Studio

While you don’t need Hollywood-level animation, invest in quality visuals and sound design. A polished presentation showcases professionalism and inspires confidence in your venture.

Besides, a clear and concise script is essential. Hire a professional voiceover artist to deliver your message with impact and personality. If you’re already collaborating with an animation studio, they can offer you a particular voice over that will match your video.  

While creating an animation yourself is certainly possible with the abundance of online tools available, for a truly professional and impactful pitch video, consider collaborating with an animation studio.

Here’s what to expect when working with a professional:

• Look for studios with experience in creating explainer videos and a portfolio that aligns with your brand and style.
• Animation studios can vary greatly in cost. Define your budget upfront and find a studio that offers services within your range.
• Look for a studio that is open to collaboration and actively listens to your vision. A good working relationship will ensure a smooth and successful project.
• Once you’ve chosen a studio, work collaboratively to refine your script and develop a storyboard. The storyboard acts as a blueprint for the animation, visually outlining each scene.
• The studio will help you define a style guide that ensures the animation aligns with your brand identity. 
• The studio will handle the animation process, bringing your storyboard to life. This may involve character design, background creation, animation, and sound design.
• Revisions: Be prepared for a revision process. Studios typically allow for a few rounds of revisions to ensure the final product meets your expectations.

Animation costs can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your project, the style you choose, and the studio’s experience level.  For a simple explainer video that could a part of your pitch or its main element,  expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.  

Conclusion

Animated explainer videos are a great way to communicate and can be incredibly effective when raising capital. Turning your idea into a visual story with an animated pitch video helps you stand out from other startups and convinces potential investors to support you.

To make your video memorable, ensure it tells a captivating story, captures the key concepts and value of your product or service, and clearly explains your startup in an engaging way. If you do this well, you’ll impress potential investors, build their confidence, and secure the funds you need.