How to Create a Pitch Deck Using 500 Global Proven Structure

If you’re a seed-stage founder applying to the 500 Global accelerator, you already know fundraising is tough. But here’s the thing: your pitch deck can be your secret weapon. It’s not just a bunch of slides, it’s your story, your vision, and your startup’s first impression all rolled into one. A killer pitch deck can open doors, spark interest, and get investors excited to back you. On the flip side, a weak deck can make even the best ideas get overlooked. So, investing time to craft a standout pitch deck is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Table of Contents

• The 10 Slides That Changed How I Pitch
• Here’s How I Craft Each Slide to Tell a Compelling Story
• My Top Tips to Make Your Deck Truly Notable
• Your Pitch Deck Is More Than Slides

The 10 Slides That Changed How I Pitch (And Why 500 Global’s Format Works)

When I first started pitching, I struggled to keep things clear and concise. Then I discovered 500 Global’s 10-slide pitch deck structure, and it changed everything. This format is simple, focused, and designed to highlight what investors really care about without overwhelming them. It’s perfect for seed-stage founders because it balances storytelling with solid business facts. Plus, 500 Global is a top accelerator, so following their recommended structure shows you’re serious and aligned with what they want to see.

Here’s How I Craft Each Slide to Tell a Compelling Story

Slide 1: Nail Your Logo & Elevator Pitch

Start strong! Your elevator pitch should be clear and catchy. Think of it as your startup’s tagline that instantly tells what you do and why it matters.

Example:

“AIShopper is an AI-powered SaaS platform that helps online retailers boost sales by delivering personalized shopping experiences in real-time.”

Slide 2: Define the Problem Like Your Customers Do

Get into your customers’ shoes. What’s the pain they feel? Keep it relatable and real.

Example:

“E-commerce stores struggle with low conversion rates because they can’t offer personalized experiences at scale, leading to lost sales and frustrated customers.”

Slide 3: Show How Your Solution Makes Life Better

Explain how your product or service solves the problem in a way that’s easy to understand.

Example:

“AIShopper uses advanced AI algorithms to analyze shopper behavior and instantly personalize product recommendations, increasing engagement and sales without extra manual work.”

Slide 4: Prove the Market Is Big Enough to Win

Investors want to know there’s a big opportunity. Show them the size of your market and why it’s worth chasing.

Example:

“The global e-commerce market is projected to reach $7 trillion by 2025, with SaaS personalization tools growing rapidly as retailers seek competitive advantages.”

Slide 5: Share Real Traction That Builds Credibility

Numbers matter. Whether it’s users, revenue, or partnerships, highlight your progress so far.

Example:

“In just 12 months, AIShopper has onboarded 50+ retailers, increasing their average conversion rate by 20%, and generated $200K in ARR.”

Slide 6: Explain Your Business Model Clearly

How do you make money? Keep it straightforward and believable.

Example:

“We operate on a subscription model with tiered pricing based on monthly active users and feature access, ensuring scalable and predictable revenue.”

Slide 7: Own Your Competitive Advantage

What makes you different? Show why you’ll win against competitors.

Example:

“Unlike generic recommendation engines, AIShopper’s proprietary AI adapts in real-time to shopper behavior, delivering hyper-personalized experiences that increase sales by up to 30%.”

Slide 8: Reveal Your Go-to-Market Game Plan

How will you get customers? Outline your strategy to grow and scale.

Example:

“We’re targeting mid-sized online retailers through direct sales and partnerships with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, supported by content marketing and webinars.”

Slide 9: Present Financials Without Overwhelming

Keep it high-level. Show projections that make sense without drowning investors in details.

Example:

“We project $1M ARR by year two, driven by expanding our customer base to 200 retailers and increasing average revenue per user through upsells.”

Slide 10: Introduce the Team That’s Built to Win

Investors back people, not just ideas. Highlight your team’s strengths and why you’re the right crew to make this happen.

Example:

“Our founding team includes a former AI researcher from MIT, a SaaS sales expert with 10+ years in e-commerce, and a product manager who led growth at a top retail platform.”

My Top Tips to Make Your Deck Truly Notable

From my experience, less is more. Keep your pitch deck simple, authentic, and focused. Avoid jargon and fancy buzzwords, investors want clarity, not confusion. Use visuals to support your story, not distract from it. And always tailor your deck to your audience; since you’re applying to 500 Global, align with their values and expectations. Lastly, practice your pitch until it feels natural and confident.

Your Pitch Deck Is More Than Slides

At the end of the day, your pitch deck is more than just a set of slides, it’s your startup’s story, passion, and potential wrapped up in a neat package. When I pitch, I focus on clarity and genuine excitement because that’s what resonates. If you can combine a solid structure with your authentic voice, you’ll create a pitch deck that not only stands out but wins.

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