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What is a Problem Slide?

The problem slide is your opportunity to grab investors’ attention by showcasing a clear, compelling, and relatable issue that your target audience faces. It sets the foundation for your entire startup pitch deck, helping investors understand why your startup exists.

A great problem slide defines the problem in a way that is:

Relatable : Investors should immediately grasp the stakes and feel the pain point.
Specific : Avoid broad generalizations – focus on a precise issue faced by your audience. Isolate this issue to avoid any confusion about the problem or opportunity.
Data-Driven : Use numbers, research, or anecdotes to back up the significance of the problem.

Your goal is to create alignment between the problem and the audience, paving the way for the solution slide.

What Do Investors Look for on the Problem Slide?

A well-defined and significant problem that resonates with the target audience.
Evidence to validate the problem’s scope, urgency, or impact.
A focus on the problem’s pain points rather than the product or solution (that comes later).
A seamless setup for the solution slide without overselling the solution yet.
A balance of logic and emotion to make the problem both compelling and credible.

🤔 What Questions Should a Problem Slide Answer?

What is the specific problem you’re solving?
Who experiences this problem, and how does it affect them?
Why is this problem significant or urgent?
Is this problem worth solving – does it represent a meaningful opportunity?

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being too vague or broad about the problem.
Jumping ahead to your solution instead of focusing on the problem itself.
Using overly technical or complex language that confuses the audience.
Failing to validate the problem with data, examples, or testimonials.
Blowing the existing problem out of proportion.

How to Create a Problem Slide That Investors Will Love

✅ Problem Slide Best Practices

Hone in on a single, well-defined problem – avoid listing too many secondary issues.
Gather real-world data, research, or case studies to demonstrate the problem’s significance.
Create an emotional connection by illustrating the human impact of the problem.
Frame the problem in a way that hints at the potential for a high-impact solution.
Align the problem with your overall pitch narrative – this is your setup for the next slide.

✍️ Problem Slide Content

Headline : Clearly articulate the problem in one sentence (e.g., “Millions of small businesses struggle to access affordable financing.”).
Supporting Data : Include a compelling stat or fact that validates the problem (e.g., “85% of SMBs are denied loans by traditional banks.”).
Visuals : Use charts, graphs, or images to make the problem tangible and relatable.
Audience Pain Point : Highlight how this issue impacts your target audience (e.g., “Without financing, businesses can’t scale or hire, stunting growth.”).

🎨 Problem Slide Design

Impactful Headline : Place it at the top, bold and easy to read.
Concise Text : Use short bullet points or one-liners to ensure clarity.
Visual Aids : Incorporate graphics like infographics, pain point illustrations, or customer quotes.
Whitespace: You’ll be tempted to expand on the extent of the problem, but leave breathing room for key points to stand out.