In this episode of Ventures, I (https://linkedin.com/in/wclittle) discuss early stage startup pitch decks and what VCs/angels really want to hear when founders ask for equity financing. I talk about how the culture around the traditional deck has not been as helpful as it could be to clarify why traction (and forecasts of traction) are - in my opinion - the most important aspect of the initial pitch process that warrants deeper diligence.   Visit https://satchel.works/@wclittle/ventures-episode-154 for more information.  You can watch this episode via video here.  0:03 - Tee-up for the episode, screencast, motivation 0:45 - Background of the pre-seed vs. seed pitch deck article → https://www.startuprocket.com/articles/investor-pitch-deck-and-communication-strategies-pre-seed-and-seed  2:08 -  What investors really want to hear (traction, forecasts, and that you are the right team to do it)  3:30 - A better way to train entrepreneurs  4:14 - What is traction, really? Example from Uber’s pre-seed pitch