Narrative, numeracy, Q.E.D and the fundraising deck

THE ACRONYM REFERS TO the Latin phrase quod erat demonstrandum, which translates roughly into that which has to be proven. Sometimes you see it at the end of a mathematical or philosophical proof as a statement that the matter has been proven. 

The reason it is mentioned here is because the phrase appears in a useful blog entry from Bill Gurley, a general partner at a West Coast Venture firm that helped fund Twitter, Uber, Snapchat and others. The blog is entitled In Defense of the Deck.

It's worth a read. The entry presents the venture investor's view on why it is important to prepare and accompany your fund raising proposal with a convincing slide presentation that provides the Q.E.D. that the company's opportunity is significant and its plan is solid. It also mentions one scenario when you may want to avoid using a deck with a potential investor.

The argument for the deck revolves around a number or factors, First, there is value in working with your team to create a coherent presentation of your company's value proposition and plan for succeeding. It also enables entrepreneurs to present their proposition in an organized fashion that builds to a conclusion that appeals to investors. Also, decks make it possible in ways conversation cannot to present the important numerical piece of the business and its important metrics.

From Bill Gurley's perspective, the presentation deck enables entrepreneurs "to walk the listener through an argument as to why this is going to be an amazing business." A good deck and presentation "will gradually transport the listener to the desired conclusion – this will be a great investment.”

Check it out at http://abovethecrowd.com/2015/07/07/in-defense-of-the-deck/.