Why 90% of Startup Pitches Fail with Investors – and How You Can Change That
As an experienced business angel, I see promising business ideas daily that fail to secure funding due to poor presentation. The most common reason for failed pitches is not the idea itself, but the way it’s presented.
Many founders invest months in product development but only a few hours in optimizing their investor pitch. This is a costly mistake that can cost you potential million-dollar investments.
What is Professional Pitch Screening?
Our Pitch Screening Service offers you the unique opportunity to present your pitch to an experienced business angel and receive structured, actionable feedback – before you face real investors.
What you get in our Pitch Check:
- 60-minute live pitch session via video conference
- Structured written feedback (5-8 pages) based on investment criteria
- Evaluation according to the 7 investment pillars: Team, Market, Product, Business Model, Financials, Traction, Scalability
- Priority list of the 3 most critical weaknesses with concrete improvement suggestions
- 30-minute follow-up session for questions and clarifications
Investment: €500 (excl. VAT) – This represents less than 1% of a typical seed financing round, but can determine the success or failure of your entire fundraising.
Who is Pitch Screening Suitable For?
Innovative Companies and Startups
- Technology Startups: SaaS solutions, Mobile Apps, AI/ML applications
- PropTech: Real estate technology and digital solutions
- FinTech: Payment solutions, Banking innovation, Investment platforms
- E-Commerce & Retail: Online marketplaces, D2C brands, Subscription services
- HealthTech: Digital health solutions, MedTech, Wellness platforms
- EdTech: Educational technology and learning platforms
- CleanTech: Sustainable technologies and environmental solutions
Hospitality & Experience Economy
- Tourism & Travel: Travel apps, Booking platforms, Experience marketplaces
- Food & Beverage: Restaurant tech, Delivery services, F&B innovations
- Entertainment: Event tech, Gaming, Content platforms
- Sports & Fitness: Fitness apps, Sports tech, Wellness services
Service & Consulting Businesses
- B2B Services: Consulting firms, Agency services, Professional services
- Franchise Concepts: Scalable business models with expansion potential
- Marketplace Models: Platforms connecting suppliers and customers
Experience Level and Development Stage
- Pre-Seed to Series A companies
- Teams with MVP, prototype, or first customers
- Founders before their first or subsequent financing round
- Established companies with new business areas or expansion plans
The 7 Most Common Pitch Mistakes We Identify
1. Unclear Problem-Solution Fit
Many founders describe their product but not the concrete problem they solve. Investors want to understand: What urgent problem do you solve for whom?
2. Overestimated Market Size
“The travel market is $1.9 trillion” – such statements show that founders don’t understand their Total Addressable Market (TAM).
3. Weak Competitive Analysis
“We have no competition” is the death blow for any pitch. Investors want a realistic competitive analysis.
4. Unrealistic Financial Projections
Hockey-stick growth without justification appears unprofessional. Investors need comprehensible assumptions.
5. Incomplete Team
A solo founder without co-founders is a red flag. Show how you will close skill gaps.
6. Missing Traction
Without first customers, revenue, or users, financing is difficult. What proof points can you demonstrate?
7. Unclear Use of Funds
Investors want to know: What exactly will the money be used for and what milestones will you achieve with it?
Worth reading: Discover our other expertise articles:
- Common Mistakes by Startup Founders in Tourism
- How Startup Founders Get the Most from Angel Investments
- Resources and Tools for Startups
Why Should You Do Your Pitch Screening With Us?
Expertise Across Various Industries
As a business angel focused on innovative business models, I know the specific challenges of different industries and can provide you with targeted feedback.
Active Investor Background
I don’t evaluate your pitch theoretically, but from the practical perspective of an active angel who regularly makes investment decisions.
Structured Feedback Process
Our feedback follows a proven framework based on hundreds of pitch evaluations. You won’t receive vague assessments, but concrete, actionable improvement suggestions.
Discrete Confidentiality
All pitch content is treated strictly confidentially. You can speak openly about your strategy without competitive risks.
How Your Pitch Screening Works
4-step process for your successful pitch screening
Step 1: Booking and Preparation
After your booking, you’ll receive a preparation questionnaire and can book an appointment in our calendar.
Step 2: 60-Minute Pitch Session
You present your pitch live via video conference. I ask targeted follow-up questions like a real investor and take structured notes.
Step 3: Written Feedback
Within 48 hours, you’ll receive a detailed written feedback document with concrete improvement suggestions.
Step 4: Follow-up Discussion
In a 30-minute follow-up call, we discuss open questions and prioritize next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pitch Screening
Can I participate without a finished pitch deck?
No, you should already have a pitch deck (10-15 slides). If not, we recommend starting with our pitch deck template first.
Is the screening only for certain industries?
No, we serve startups and companies from all industries. The session takes place online.
What happens if you want to invest in my startup?
Should your project be interesting for investment, we’ll discuss this transparently after the screening. There’s no obligation.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes, if you’re not satisfied with the quality of the feedback, we’ll refund the full amount.
The Next Step to Your Successful Financing
Every day you waste with a suboptimal pitch, you lose potential investors and valuable time. Professional feedback is the key to successful financing.
Our pitch screening gives you the investor perspective you need to take your pitch to the next level.
Book Your Pitch Screening:
Contact for bookings:
📧 Email: cp@upstyle-consulting.com
Upstyle Travel – Dr. Conrad Pramböck
Don’t wait any longer – your competitors are already optimizing their pitches. Stay one step ahead!
Upstyle Travel – Your professional partner for investment, consulting and training. More than 15 years of experience as a business angel and management consultant.