Did you know that, as of 2025, women-led startups in Nigeria receive less than 2% of venture capital funding? Having a tech business idea is not enough; you need money to fund it and turn it into reality. For female founders who are just navigating an industry where only a small fraction of startups get funded, pitching can be intimidating.
While Pitching is not everything you need to get funding, it can play a major role in helping investors see your potential and it is a skill that you can easily learn.
Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your first pitch and stand out from the rest.
1. Know Your Why
Before you start drafting your pitch, it is very important to have a clear reason for why your startup exists. Ask yourself what problem you are solving, who your audience is, and why now is the right time. Investors are funding and investing in your vision, so the clearer your “why” is, the easier it is for them to understand and buy in.
2. Research Your Investors
There are some investors who might not be the right fit for your idea, so take the time to understand who funds startups in your industry, who supports women founders, and who has experience in early-stage businesses. In Nigeria for example, some funds and initiatives such as FirstCheck Africa, Aruwa Capital Management, Greentree Investment Company, The LaunchPad by NITDA & Alami Capital, and The Ebi Fund invest in women-led startups. Doing your research will allow you to tailor your pitch to the investors who are most likely to see the value in your idea.
3. Keep Your Pitch Deck Simple
Your pitch deck should be concise and clear. Focus on explaining the problem, your solution, the market opportunity, your business model, the competition, your team, financial projections, and what you are asking from investors. Keep it as simple as you can and avoid using jargon or overly technical language because your investors need to understand your idea without getting lost in complex terms and language.
4. Practice Until You Are Confident
Practice, they say, makes perfect. To be confident at pitching, you need to be well prepared. Practice your pitch multiple times in front of friends, mentors, your team, or even a mirror. Time yourself so that your pitch is around 10 to 15 minutes, this way, you can leave space for questions. Make sure to rehearse well because it will make your delivery smoother and help you handle any surprises or challenges during the actual pitch.
5. Anticipate Questions
Investors will want to challenge your idea, so be ready to answer questions about how your solution is different, how you plan to make money, and what will happen if competitors enter the market. Thoughtful and honest answers show that you have done your homework and understand your industry.
6. Follow Up Thoughtfully
After your pitch, always send a follow-up email to thank your investors for their time. Summarise your key points and provide any additional information requested. Now, while persistence is important, try to avoid spamming them. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a strong impression.
As women, there is an urge to always wait and hesitate to pitch until everything is ready, while this is good, you should understand that investors invest in potential. Take the risk, trust your idea, and put yourself out there. Remember that the more you pitch, the more confident and skilled you will become, and the closer you will get to securing funding.