How Much Does a Pitch Deck Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

Niclas Schlopsna
Sep 15, 2024
000
min read
Funding and Finance

So, how much does a pitch deck cost? Let’s start with some important definitions. A pitch deck represents your vision, crafts your story, and gives investors a detailed overview of your abilities to survive, expand and thrive in the competitive business world. With so much depending on this document, a good pitch deck must be designed strategically and delivered professionally to impress venture capitalists. In simple words, you have to influence the investors with a perfect pitch deck and get the budget for your remarkable business idea.

If you’re wondering how much you should invest in developing a starter investor pitch deck presentation that instantly “sells” your idea to investors, or whether bringing a professional pitch deck designer into the picture will cost you more, let us summarize things to give you a better idea of the ultimate cost you might have to incur to get unique slides and a pitch deck that genuinely present your concept.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Pitch Deck

Infographic: Factors Affecting the Cost of a Pitch Deck
Infographic: Factors Affecting the Cost of a Pitch Deck

There is a lot of hard work that goes into building a pitch deck right from scratch. The number of pitch deck slides can significantly affect the cost, as more slides require more time and effort in design and content creation. From adjusting the fonts to making every slide engaging and informative, some dominant factors that may add to the deck cost involve the following essential elements:

Time Limit

Managing business activities is a tough full-time job, as there is always a schedule to follow. Similarly, when it comes to preparing a pitch deck for your next big project, time matters a lot. The amount of time you need dramatically influences the cost of the pitch deck. For example, a design specialist will prepare it effectively and promptly but will surely charge more, whereas hiring a freelance designer might lengthen the process but reduce the cost.

Effectiveness Costs

You need a pitch deck that is effective and delivers just the right idea to your investors. To acquire a handsome investment from VCs, the pitch deck must have the "wow" element in it. So, choosing a developer with the skills you are looking for will also determine the cost of your pitch deck.

Design and Layout

Next comes the structure of your pitch deck. You need an impactful pitch design while also remaining within your average budget, but it may be challenging. Professionals know how best to arrange every slide and what narration will strike the nerve of the investors. However, it will significantly influence your budget, adding more "zeros" to your expected pitch deck design cost.

Average Cost for a Professional Pitch Deck Designer

The pitch deck cost for design only depends on your budget and the level of accuracy you require for each slide.

  • If you use templates for a DIY project, you can save time and money, but the results may not be satisfactory. Using a pitch deck template can be a cost-effective solution, providing pre-designed layouts that help create simple but persuasive pitch decks.
  • With the pay-per-slide model, pitch deck consultants may charge $100 per slide. Revisions, editing, and enhancement may further add to the total cost. You may have to pay roughly $2000 - $6000 for less than 20 slides, which will be delivered within a week. For a full pitch deck presentation, marketing agencies offering pay-per-slide service may charge $15000 or more per project.

However, this approach requires more time and communication, and the cycle can be lengthy.

Cost of Designing Pitch Decks from Scratch Using DIY Ideas

Infographic: Cost of Designing a Pitch Deck from Scratch Using DIY Ideas
Infographic: Cost of Designing Pitch Decks from Scratch Using DIY Ideas

Designing your own pitch deck from scratch using DIY ideas and a pitch deck template may not be ideal if you want to get approval for your project and a straight “Yes” from investors. To put together a pitch deck, you need an up-to-date market analysis, knowledge of all the designing tools, and the ability to present your story with a vision. Pursuing all these tasks may not give you the desired results and may take up more time. Also, it may cost you less or even nothing, but the effectiveness is not guaranteed.

Can You Hire a Freelancer for Creating a Pitch Deck?

Hiring a freelance pitch deck designer is a cost-effective idea. A freelance artist may charge up to $100 - $250 per hour. However, finding a proficient freelancer who has the right skills, experience, and can deliver work on time may be challenging. They may not have a business background or experience in venture capital or angel investing. So, it's crucial to understand your target group. You might have to go through countless portfolios, explain your idea multiple times, and still not get the pitch deck you have in mind. With freelancers, there is a higher risk of missing the efficiency and time factors, which could be a problem if you need your pitch deck ready quickly. In short, freelancers may cover your budget, but efficiency and time may be compromised.

How Much Will a Pitch Deck Designing Expert Cost?

Infographic: How Much Will a Pitch Deck Designing Expert Cost?
Infographic: How Much Will a Pitch Deck Designing Expert Cost?

If you have the financial means or are ready to bet everything on a unique idea, hiring a professional, skilled, and experienced pitch deck designer can give your pitch deck all the elements you need. A winning pitch deck, created by an expert, ensures high design quality, uniqueness, and effective budget considerations. These experts are experienced in creating visually appealing and engaging slideshow presentations. They also have market knowledge, know market trends, consumer demands, and how best to approach investors. They can provide you with an impeccable design and a professional pitch deck in a short time, with a promise of a positive return from investors.

The pitch deck design cost can typically ranges between $2,000 and $4,000 for the average size of a deck. If you want to know how long a pitch deck should be, you can find more details in our article.

Costs For Pitch Deck Consultants

If you’re looking for a pitch deck that is tailor-made to your specific needs, you can opt for a pitch deck consultant. The importance of quality and expertise in a pitch deck venture cannot be overstated, as it can significantly impact your ability to attract investors. Additionally, they often create a pitch deck from scratch and build the pitch deck content. A pitch deck consultant will work with you to understand your business idea, your target audience, and your goals. They will then conduct market research and use that information to create a pitch deck that is designed to impress investors and secure funding.

Pitch deck consultants usually charge more than freelance designers or DIY options. The average starting price you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $50,000 for their services, depending on the complexity of your project and the level of detail you require. However, the benefits of hiring a pitch deck consultant go beyond just design. They will conduct research, analyze data, and help you craft a compelling story that resonates with investors. They can even build a comprehensive startup's story or calculate your financial projections.

In short, if you’re looking for a pitch deck that is customized to your needs and designed to impress investors, a pitch deck consultant may be the right choice for you.

Other Cost Considerations

Infographic: Other Cost Considerations
Infographic: Other Cost Considerations

Industry-Specific Costs

The cost of a pitch deck can vary depending on the industry you are in. For example, a startup in the biotech industry may need to invest more in research and development to create a pitch deck that effectively communicates complex scientific concepts to investors.

Geographic Location

The cost of a pitch deck can also vary depending on where you are located. Designers and consultants in major cities may charge more than those in smaller towns or rural areas.

Internal Resources

If you have in-house design or marketing resources, you may be able to reduce the cost of a pitch deck by using these resources to create the presentation. Crafting high-quality pitch deck content is crucial, as it involves both the written and visual components that can make or break your pitch. However, you will need to consider the time and expertise required to create an effective pitch deck in-house.

Revision Costs

It's important to remember that the cost of a pitch deck may not end with the initial design. Revisions, editing, and enhancement may add to the total cost, so it's important to factor these costs into your budget.

Return on Investment

Ultimately, the cost of a pitch deck will be determined by the potential return on investment. If you are confident that your pitch deck will help you secure funding for your business, then the cost may be a worthwhile investment. However, if you are unsure of the potential return on investment, it may be wise to start with a more cost-effective option.

Why Fundraising Consultancies are the Best Choice

Infographic: Why Fundraising Consultancies are the Best Choice
Infographic: Why Fundraising Consultancies are the Best Choice

While hiring a professional pitch deck designer is an excellent option, it may not always be enough. Pitch deck creation is just one aspect of the fundraising process, and it's crucial to have someone who can help you with the entire process.

This is where fundraising consultancies come into play. They not only build the pitch deck, but they also help you to calculate financial models, create a comprehensive fundraising strategy, and connect you to the right investors. Working with a fundraising consultancy can give you a competitive edge and increase your chances of securing funding.

The cost of hiring a fundraising consultancy can vary depending on the services you need and the complexity of your project. However, the benefits of working with a consultancy far outweigh the costs. With a team of experts on your side, you can rest assured that your fundraising efforts are in good hands.

Conclusion

So, the question "How much does a pitch deck cost" is easily answered: The perfect pitch deck cost can vary greatly depending on many factors such as design, time, industry-specific needs, and the level of assistance required. While DIY options and freelance designers may be more cost-effective, they may compromise efficiency and time, and the effectiveness of the pitch deck is not guaranteed. On the other hand, using a professional pitch deck designer or consultant can help increase the chances of securing funding and provide comprehensive assistance in the entire fundraising process. Revision costs and potential return on investment should also be factored into the budget. Ultimately, choosing the best option for designing a pitch deck depends on your specific needs, budget, and goals.

What is the typical length of a pitch deck?

There is no specific length for a pitch deck, but it generally ranges from 10-30 slides. The cost of creating a starter investor pitch deck can vary, with an average range depending on the complexity and number of slides.

Can a pitch deck consultant help with more than just design?

Yes, a pitch deck consultant can also assist with financial models, fundraising strategy, and investor connections.

What industries typically require more investment in pitch deck design?

Industries dealing with complex or technical concepts often need more investment in their pitch decks. For instance, biotech companies must communicate intricate scientific data clearly, while software development firms need to explain technical features and benefits in an understandable way.

What are some potential risks of using DIY options or freelance designers for pitch deck design?

Efficiency and time factors may be compromised, and the effectiveness of the pitch deck is not guaranteed.

What are some additional costs to consider beyond initial pitch deck design?

What are some additional costs to consider beyond initial pitch deck design?

Concise Recap: Key Insights

The cost of a pitch deck can vary depending on many factors, including design, time, and industry-specific needs.

Using a professional pitch deck designer or consultant can help increase your chances of securing funding.

DIY options and freelance designers may be more cost-effective, but may compromise efficiency and time.

Revision costs and potential return on investment should also be factored into your budget.

Fundraising consultancies can provide comprehensive assistance in the entire fundraising process.

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