Investment & Inclusion Series | The Pitching Problem: Bias & Bravado

Pitch events, competitions, workshops and Demo Days are everywhere in the startup ecosystem. The art of pitching and storytelling (and the pitch deck) are at the center of all fundraising and communication of startups. So what’s the problem?

When it comes to gender, there is now extensive data that highlights investor bias in rewarding form over substance. Indeed investors often rate startups and founders higher based on bravado, ambition and founder-conviction than on the content of the pitch and the actual business. But bias is not simply noted in how the presentation and performance of pitching in these public settings is received. As shown in HBR research it is also seen in the types of questions (Preventative vs Promotional) asked by investors which differ based on addressing male or female founders. Join us in asking:

• How do we address this issue as an ecosystem and look at the events and structures we create?
• How do we support founders who are not public speaker performers?
• How do we provide support without amplifying the narrative of ‘fixing’ women.
• How do we support investors in engaging and listening differently?

This open & ‘imperfect’ conversation is calling in all investors, entrepreneurs and community builders who want to support a more diverse and equitable startup ecosystem. We understand diversity reflects more than race and gender and strive to be inclusive of other communities that have been systemically denied access.

This event is part of a series of conversations curated by The Capital Network & The Venture Capital Inclusion Lab titled: Investment and Inclusion - Effective Approaches and Practices. From pipeline, portfolio and performance, this Series will explore how investors can create a more diverse portfolio that will support underrepresented founders while growing their returns. We will look at the data, strategies and DEI best practices around doing so and look to experts who have achieved this.