Greenbackers & Daysix podcast highlights + essential tips for founders gearing up for our July London Showcase
Earlier this year, Greenbackers’ Andrew Smith sat down with Gavin from Daysix, our trusted partner in brand, content, and digital development, for a conversation that cuts to the core of what makes a startup pitch actually work. The discussion was recorded fresh off the heels of our bi-annual Investment Showcase in London—where Gavin observed over 20 live pitches in a single day and later used those insights to help his own venture win a pitch competition.
With our next Greenbackers Investment Showcase returning to London in just a few weeks, this conversation couldn’t be more timely.
Listen to the full podcast here:
Why Most Pitches Miss the Mark — and How Yours Doesn’t Have To
Founders often think of a pitch as a direct route to a cheque. It’s not. A pitch is an invitation. Its job is to earn interest, build intrigue, and secure that critical next meeting. Done well, it’s the start of a compelling story that an investor wants to be part of.
Here are some of the key takeaways from our podcast that every founder should consider when preparing their pitch.
5 Takeaways from Greenbackers + Daysix: How to Nail Your Investor Pitch
1. Win (or lose) in the first 60 seconds
You’ve got one minute to capture attention. Investors want to know:
- What do you do?
- What problem are you solving?
- Why does it matter now?
Gavin summed it up: “Can you make it compelling, interesting—and also really clear and simple?”
2. Tell a story, not a lecture
Slides stuffed with data distract from your message. Keep your visuals tight—under 10 slides is ideal—and use them to amplify your narrative, not replace it. Some of the most effective decks we’ve seen had just 3 or 4 slides.
“People remember stories. A pitch is essentially a trailer. Don’t tell the whole movie.”
3. Make your “ask” obvious
Whether it’s funding, partnerships, or pilots—say what you want. Be specific and confident. A great pitch leaves no doubt about your next step.
4. Pick the right person to pitch
A great founder doesn’t always make a great presenter. Choose someone who:
- Can hold the room
- Has credibility with the audience
- Speaks naturally about your sector
Know your audience. Speak their language.
5. Practice. Then practice more.
Rehearse. Cut it down. Rehearse again. Gavin’s first draft was 7 minutes long for a 3-minute pitch—until the team edited and refined.
“Rehearsing revealed a lot of problems. It helped us tighten it up and made our story flow.”
For Founders Pitching at Greenbackers Investment Showcase on 2 July in London: Start Here
This is your moment. Our July showcase will host top-tier climate tech investors in the room—and in your corner, if you get it right.
To prepare:
- Listen to the podcast episode.
- Revisit your deck: Is it clear, visual, and story-driven?
- Refine your value proposition: What do you want investors to remember?
- Need help? Talk to Daysix. Their team are offering 10 free 1:1 pitch review sessions. These 30-minute expert sessions provide hands-on feedback to improve your script, slide deck, and delivery on the day—based on real-world investor experience and storytelling expertise. Contact annika@greenbackers.com to schedule.
About Daysix: Daysix is a creative digital agency for growing brands. They are Greenbackers trusted partner for brand, content, and digital development, driving impact through strategic insight and creative excellence – get in touch with Daysix here.
