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How long should my deck be, and what goes in the appendix?

Aim for 10-12 core slides that carry the story, and push detailed metrics, cohort data, and financial models into an appendix you pull up only when asked. The main deck earns interest; the appendix survives due diligence. If a slide isn't advancing the narrative, it belongs in the back.

Go deeper

2 resources, 2 link-checked.

📋 Template
✓ Link checked Free Beginner

The de facto global standard for pitch deck structure, straight from Sequoia. The same outline Airbnb's founders used; if you follow one template, follow this one.

Writing a Business Plan (The Sequoia Pitch Deck Template)

From Sequoia Capital by Sequoia Capital 10 min read

  • Ten-slide structure: purpose, problem, solution, why now, market size, competition, product, model, team, financials
  • Define your company in a single declarative sentence up front
  • One idea per slide; the deck earns the meeting, it doesn't answer everything
Open sequoiacap.com →
📄 Article
✓ Link checked Freemium Intermediate

A modern, tactical fundraising and pitch playbook aggregating advice from top operators and investors. Strong on how to build the narrative and materials that actually move investors today.

A Playbook for Fundraising (and building your pitch)

From Lenny's Newsletter by Lenny Rachitsky 25 min read

  • Spend real time (weeks) building the deck and narrative; the story is the product you're selling
  • Make the pitch conversational and use slides as backup, not a script
  • Nail the 'why now' and the narrative before obsessing over design
Open lennysnewsletter.com →

Terms in this answer

Due Diligence

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