Value Story is the route to a yes

As a startup, you have minimal resources. You need to reach out to people who can offer you funding, resources, partnerships, connections, expertise and ideas. You need to ASK for what you need.

Value Story helps you get a YES. It frames your business information as a story, to show an audience the value of engaging with your startup. Everyone’s definition of value is different so you tailor your Value Story to each audience.

There are different types of stories. Finding the one that works best for your business is the first step.

The number 1 mistake that founders make

In a rush to prepare for a pitch, proposal or grant application, founders tend to fill in their business information in bits and pieces, losing sight of the big picture. This can lead to gaps, inconsistencies, and bulky meandering content (i.e. “trying to say everything about everything”).

Four chapters that cover 14 topics

“Problem > Solution > Market > Business” is the flow of Value Story. These four “chapters” cover 14 topics that fully describe a startup i.e. the topics investors care about. Think strategically about these topics (and how they connect) to pull together a compelling, cohesive and credible Value Story. You build it early and evolve it as your business evolves.

“What is your startup about?”

Ultimately, Value Story is an inventory of clear, concise and compelling messages that equip you to speak confidently about your business, anytime, anywhere. The result is powerful, consistent messages in your pitches, conversations, emails, proposals and grant applications.

A easier way to build a slide deck

The 14 topics also double as a basic pitch deck template that you customize for different audiences and ASKs. A slide might cover a single topic, or be a blend of two. A topic might be covered verbally, but not have a slide. Not all topics appear in all pitches. When you have built a Value Story before you begin slides, it’s easier to customize the deck.