Example of a Seed Pitch Deck: Xpanceo’s $40 Million Deck | TechCrunch

Xpanceo is betting big on turning us all into cyborgs with smart contact lenses, securing a cool $40 million to make our sci-fi dreams a reality. Co-founders Roman Axelrod and Valentyn S. Volkov have made it their mission to leave traditional devices behind and put the new screens on everyone’s lips. Who needs smartphones when you can blink and surf? As they push the boundaries of what’s possible with optoelectronics and new materials, one can’t help but wonder if we’re heading toward a future where losing your contacts could mean missing your next Zoom meeting.

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Slips in this deck

Xpanceo shared its complete presentation deck, consisting of 19 slides, with TechCrunch. Although the slide list suggests the team has everything covered, a closer look at the deck’s contents reveals that some areas may not be as comprehensive as they seem.

1. Cover film
2. Challenge
3. Solution
4. product
5. Value proposition
6. B2C: Use cases
7. B2B: Industries
8. Traction
9. Contact lens wearers
10. Market size
11. Sales forecast
12. Competition
13. What is Xpanceo? interstitial
14. overview
15. Technologies
16. Pioneering research and development in optical analysis
17. team
18. Roadmap
19. Locking slide

Three things to love about Xpanceo’s Pitch Deck

There’s a lot of really good storytelling going on here.

A piece of history

The presentation effectively begins with a clear problem statement and sets the stage for a targeted discussion about the challenges and opportunities in the area of ​​augmented reality (AR) and wearable technology. This statement is crucial because it immediately outlines the problems that Xpanceo is addressing with its innovative smart contact lens project. By articulating the problems up front, the deck ensures that the audience understands the context and importance of the technology being developed, which is crucial to gaining support and enthusiasm for the project. I love that.

The inclusion of a timeline in the presentation that describes the development of computer technology in detail is particularly clever. This historical perspective not only informs audiences about the advances and milestones in computer science, but also places Xpanceo’s work within a larger narrative of technological advancement – and many of these advances have made many investors very wealthy indeed.

What’s the problem with AR?

The presentation addresses AR’s current shortcomings and acknowledges that the technology has not yet achieved widespread adoption, largely due to poor product offerings that have failed to resonate with consumers. This is true and shows that Xpanceo is aware of the hurdles of previous AR technologies and is committed to overcoming these challenges.

There is a big difference between a “solution” and a “product” slide. Xpanceo’s take on the differences here is refreshingly clear.

The solution slide is strategic in nature and emphasizes a broader, more adaptive approach rather than just focusing on the product. This strategic mindset is critical because it shifts the focus from the specifics of the product to the underlying philosophy of problem-solving.

I like that the solution is formulated clearly and understandably and that excessive details are deliberately avoided. This clarity is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, including investors, potential customers and team members. By keeping the solution straightforward and easy to understand, the team ensures that everyone involved clearly understands the core concept and goals. This level of transparency promotes trust and alignment between all parties, which is important for collaboration and the overall success of the project.

From there you can move on to the details: the product.

So here’s what the company has Strictly speaking up to

Xpanceo does an excellent job here too:

The product slide does a great job of presenting the product in a clear and engaging way, avoiding the common pitfall of falling into overly technical language that can alienate or confuse audiences. This approach is particularly powerful given the complex nature of the technology involved.

Smart contact lenses that integrate advanced computing capabilities directly into the user’s field of vision work like magic. Nevertheless, by maintaining clear and understandable language, the slide ensures that the innovation can be understood and appreciated by a wide audience, which is crucial to generate interest and support among potential investors.

I particularly like how this clarity helps set the stage for deeper discussions without getting lost in the complex technical language that undoubtedly occurs in the lab. It strikes the right balance between simplicity and information content.

Three things Xpanceo could have improved

This deck is really good. But is it perfect?

No. Let’s dive in.

What are you increasing?

The biggest problem with the Xpanceo deck isn’t what’s in it, but what’s not.

A crucial element missing from the deck is the “Ask” slide, which is essential when seeking venture capital funding. It’s surprising how often founders overlook this component in their pitch decks. When it comes to raising money, this is not the time to be reserved or indirect. Clearly stating the requirements – be it staffing, resources, or partnerships – shows potential investors a well-thought-out plan and a serious commitment to the startup’s future. This helps investors quickly understand needs and assess whether they match their investment criteria.

Including a specific question in the presentation also conveys that there is a realistic understanding of what the startup needs to be successful. It shows that careful thought has been given to how much money is needed, what it will be used for, and how it will help the company achieve its goals. This level of detail and transparency gives the pitch credibility and instills confidence in the management and planning skills of potential investors. It positions the entrepreneurs as serious individuals who not only experiment but are committed to building a sustainable business.

B2B or B2C: You can’t have both

Slides 6 and 7 argue for both a B2B and a B2C model. That’s not a great call.

B2B and B2C business models are fundamentally different things. Very few companies can succeed with one strategy, let alone both.

B2C sales are characterized by direct interactions with individual consumers, with an emphasis on emotional engagement, brand identity and creating personalized customer experiences. This model thrives on short sales cycles and immediate purchase decisions. Therefore, it is critical for companies to invest in understanding consumer behavior and develop marketing strategies that resonate on a personal level. Even if companies occasionally purchase under a B2C model, they should be treated as consumers in the sales process to ensure the simplicity and efficiency of marketing efforts.

Conversely, B2B sales involve more complex transactions with other companies, characterized by longer sales cycles, higher transaction values, and a focus on practical benefits and cost effectiveness. This model requires strong, credible relationships and often includes tailored solutions to meet specific business needs. Although less common, consumers sometimes turn to products designed for business use, highlighting the need for flexibility in sales strategies. Ultimately, focusing on a B2B or B2C sales organization should align with the startup’s core competencies and strategic goals and shape the narrative in its startup pitch to attract potential investors.

Trying to do both won’t work. So choose one and explain why that is the right choice.

The Fallacy of Market Size

When assessing the potential market size for Xpanceo contact lenses, it is crucial to differentiate the type of product from traditional contact lenses. Or to put it another way: Is the market for Xpanceo’s products people who already wear contact lenses? The company seems to believe that everyone who wears contact lenses will want smart contact lenses. But that’s probably not correct.

Xpanceo’s offerings are not just an alternative to glasses for optical correction, but rather function as a wearable device. This distinction is important because the target market for Xpanceo may not directly align with the existing base of contact lens users. Rather than assessing the total number of contact lens wearers, a more relevant metric might be usage of related technologies such as smartphones or smartwatches, reflecting a tech-savvy consumer base more inclined to adopt new wearable technologies. This approach can help identify not only a broad audience, but also an audience that is more likely to adopt innovative products.

Xpanceo’s go-to-market strategy plays a crucial role in determining its primary consumer segment. If the product is designed for the mass market, the strategy should focus on identifying and engaging an early adopter group. This group typically consists of tech enthusiasts who are interested in exploring and adopting cutting-edge technologies. These “early adopters” could provide the initial push needed for market penetration and act as influencers and validators for the broader consumer base. Your feedback is also invaluable in refining the product and increasing its appeal to subsequent buyers.

I think the company is trying to show that its market is huge, but I doubt contact lens wearers are a proxy. I wear contact lenses, but only when I do contact sports (martial arts or diving). But even if I had never worn contact lenses in my life, I would definitely try the Xpanceo solution.

I think the company is trying to compare oranges to Apple computers.

The complete pitch deck

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