Introducing the 7Ts Pitch Deck: A New Way to Structure Your Startup Story

For years, startup founders have struggled with how to structure their pitch decks. What should come first? How much detail is enough? Which sections should you leave out, and which ones are absolutely essential?

Most traditional startup decks start with the problem and immediately move to the solution. While these elements are important, they don’t always capture the underlying thesis—the core insight or belief that sets a company apart. That’s the piece that’s often missing, making it harder for investors to fully grasp the uniqueness of the opportunity.

That’s why I created the 7Ts Pitch Deck. This framework organizes the key components investors want to see into seven logical sections: Thesis, Technology, Traction, Trend, Terms, Timeline, and Team.

The 7Ts Framework

Cover: We [insert main action] so that [insert core impact].

1. Thesis: Start with the core belief that drives your company’s approach. What fundamental insight or perspective do you hold that others may have missed? What Impact are you looking to make? The thesis is not just about the about problem, it also shares insights about the underlying issues you want to address and the impact they have.

[Insert the industry challenge] is broken due to [insert reason or factors]. Our approach is to [insert the core method or strategy, not the specific technology]

2. Technology: Explain how your solution works and what makes it innovative. This isn’t just about features; it’s about the unique technology, processes, science, or methodologies that set your solution apart from the competition.

We leverage [insert technology or process] to [insert what your technology does], enabling [insert the benefit or outcome].

3. Traction: Highlight your progress so far—customer acquisition, revenue growth, partnerships, or any proof that validates your thesis. This is the evidence investors need to see that your company is already making headway in the market.

The market opportunity is [insert size and growth potential], and we’ve achieved [insert key milestones or traction points] so far.

4. Trend: Paint a picture of the broader market landscape. How big is the market? What’s happening in the industry? How are customer preferences evolving? Who are your competitors, and how does your startup fit into the overall market dynamics? This section provides context, showing investors that your solution aligns with bigger, undeniable shifts in the market.

Competitors are addressing this challenge by [insert how competitors are currently solving the problem], but our solution [insert why your approach is better, whether it’s creating a new trend or improving upon an emerging one].

5. Terms: This is about your finances. How has the company been funded so far? Lay out the specifics of what you’re asking from investors. How much funding do you need, and what will you use it for? Be transparent and precise so that investors know exactly what they’re committing to.

We’re raising [insert amount] to [insert primary use of funds], providing investors [insert terms or equity position].

6. Timeline: Give a clear roadmap for the future. What milestones will you hit over the next quarter, year, or funding cycle? Demonstrating a well-thought-out timeline helps build trust that you have a solid plan for execution. Remember, any fundraising must be tied to the next milestone, it can be validating usability, getting the first 1,000 customers, growing the company, whatever it is, and making the company break even. Show the fund you are raising will get you the next milestone.

Over the next [insert time frame], we’ll [insert next milestone], followed by [insert subsequent milestones].

7. Team: Investors bet on people, not just products. Showcase the founders, their expertise, and the key members who bring experience, creativity, and credibility to the table.

Our team includes [insert founder names or roles], who bring experience from [insert previous accomplishments], and we’re supported by [insert advisors, investors, or key supporters].

Touch base: Contact name, email, phone, and web address.

Why the 7Ts Matter

The 7Ts Pitch Deck provides a cohesive narrative that goes beyond the standard problem-solution approach. By starting with the thesis and emphasizing market trends, transparent terms, and a clear timeline, it ensures that every aspect of your business is well-represented. Each “T” builds on the last, helping you tell a compelling, structured story that captures attention and keeps the audience engaged.

Telling Your Story With Confidence

A great pitch deck isn’t just about having the right information—it’s about presenting it in a way that feels natural and intuitive. The 7Ts Pitch Deck provides a framework that’s easy to follow, so you can focus less on structuring your slides and more on delivering a clear, persuasive message.

Try the 7Ts Pitch Deck Today

Whether you’re raising your first round or preparing for a Series B, the 7Ts Pitch Deck can help you communicate your story with clarity and impact. By incorporating the elements that investors truly care about, you’ll be better positioned to make a lasting impression. Download the Canva version here.

What do you think of the 7Ts approach? I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below.

7Ts Pitch Deck is created by Shayan Mashatian, Foudner of Silverberry Group. Connect with Shayan on Linkedin.