The winning fundraising deck template
Competition
Show the reader you know the alternatives and where you sit on the axis that matters.
Formula
The axis that matters here is [dimension] x [dimension]. Incumbents cluster in [quadrant]. We win in [quadrant] because [structural reason].
Strong example
Axis: countries covered x time-to-first-payroll. Deel and Rippling own the >100-country, weeks-to-onboard quadrant. Nimbus wins <50 countries, <2-hour onboard, priced 4x below Deel per seat.
Must have
- Named alternatives, including 'they build it themselves' and 'Excel'
- An axis that is actually the buyer's decision, not a flattering one
- One sentence saying why the winning quadrant is defensible
Avoid
- A checklist with green ticks for you and red X for everyone else
- Ignoring the incumbent because 'they don't focus on our segment'
- Axes chosen because you look good on them, not because buyers use them
The winning partnership deck template
The overlap (Venn, not takeover)
Show clearly what you do, what they do, and the specific overlap the partnership addresses, without stepping on their roadmap.
Formula
Us: [what we do]. You: [what you do]. Overlap: [the specific workflow that spans both]. Non-overlap: [what stays yours].
Strong example
Us: international contractor payments in 47 countries. You: US + core EOR + HRIS + reporting. Overlap: contractor onboarding + monthly payroll for the 47 countries you don't cover as EOR. Non-overlap: everything else about the employee record stays in Rippling.
Must have
- Explicit 'stays yours' column (their EOR, their HRIS, their reporting)
- The overlap named as a workflow, not a market
- One line acknowledging where you'd otherwise compete
Avoid
- A Venn that's actually 'we do everything they do, plus more'
- Not naming where you'd otherwise compete
- Overlap defined as 'HR' or 'payments' (too broad)
The winning recruiting deck template
References and backchannel
Name references the candidate can call, so they can backchannel without asking us.
Formula
[Name], [role]. [How they know us + how to reach].
Strong example
Priya Rao, Head of Ops at Helio (customer since Oct 2025). priya@helio.co. Sarah Guo (Conviction, board). sarah@conviction.com. Dan Ye, ex-Rippling PM, Jane's direct report from 2020-23. dan.ye@gmail.com.
Must have
- At least one former direct report of the CEO
- At least one customer
- At least one investor or board member
Avoid
- 'References available on request'
- Only listing investors
- Not offering a customer reference