Gerard Buckley provides an overview of what Maple Leaf Angels investors look for in funding pitches. He recommends entrepreneurs focus on the people involved and their passion for the business. Pitches should be short, no more than 10 slides, using everyday language to clearly explain the problem being solved, product/service benefits, go-to-market strategy, traction to date, and three-year financial projections. The goal is to engage investors and demonstrate how their investment can create value and exit opportunities.

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G e t t i n g F u n d e d –
W h a t O u r M e m b e r s L o o k F o r I n A P i t c h

2. 2
• I am Gerard Buckley
– Founder & CEO of Jaguar Capital an Advisory Practice for Growth
Companies in Governance, Financial Management & Financial Structuring
– Chairperson of Board of Directors, Maple Leaf Angels Corporation &
Investor in eight early stage companies
– Certified Corporate Director of the Institute of Corporate Directors
– Previously Entrepreneur in Residence with Incubes (An Internet Company
Accelerator)
– Member of Small & Medium Enterprise Committee of The Ontario
Securities Commission
– Investment Committee of MSV University, Halifax, NS
– 32 yr. Career with Scotia Capital as a Financial Risk Management Advisor to
Fortune 200 Companies: Rogers, Irving Group, Empire Co., Four Seasons,
Bruce Power, OPG, Province of Ontario, Ford etc.
Who Am I
www.mapleleafangels.com | info@mapleleafangels.com | 416.646.6235 | @mapleleafangels

3. Agenda
• Introductions
• Angel Audience
• Your Personality
• Short and Powerful
• Recommended 10 Slides
• Q&A
www.mapleleafangels.com | info@mapleleafangels.com | 416.646.6235 | @mapleleafangels

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• They are experienced and
have seen many pitches
• You have 10-15 minutes to
present
• Focus on getting everyone’s
attention from the beginning
• Put yourself in their shoes
while preparing your pitch
Angel Audience

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• The most important aspect of getting funding is the quality of
the people involved in the business
– Credible vision about how you will be successful
– Personal pride in what you are doing
– Passionate about your solution
– Straightforward to deal with
– Persistent but flexible approach
– Your ability to be specific is critical
It’s All About You!

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• Ten slides at most
• Use everyday language and focus on benefits
• Realize that our investors are interested in how they can exit
• Cover the major elements of your business model
• Be candid about areas that are “works in progress”
• Have a strong close
Short but Powerful Pitch

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• Founder bios
• Other key personnel
• Key required hires and rationale
Slide 1: People

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• What is the problem and who has it?
• Is this a pain point solution or an unmet need?
• Business or consumer with specifics about their
profile
• Who is the user? Is there a different buyer?
• How big is this market? Is it growing? How big will it
be in three years? Cite any applicable third party
sources
Slides 2 & 3:
Market Need or Problem Solved

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• Combination of what it is and needs met
• Describe your product/service
• Major customer benefits
• Describe pain points it cures or gain points it creates
• How is the customer solving this problem or meeting this
need today?
• Summary of competition
Slides 4 & 5:
Your Product/Service

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• Pricing Model Overview
– Who is paying?
– What is the price point?
– Subscription or one time?
– Additional revenue streams?
• Marketing Approach
– Quick comments on creating demand
• Sales Model
– What is required for you to succeed in
terms of sales activities
Slide 6: Go-to-Market

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• Revenue over the last twelve months
• Number of active customers
• Number of prospects that have seen the solution
• Current sales funnel
• Partner activity/endorsements
Slide 7: Traction

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• What needs to happen over the next 12-18 months
for you to be successful?
• Product Development
• Sales
• Marketing
• Operations
Slides 8 & 9:
Critical Success Factors &
Milestones

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• Provide three year projection of sales
• What is your pre-money valuation?
• State any previous raises
• Current burn rate
• What is your ask for this round?
• Use of proceeds should match Critical Success
Factors slides
• Describe potential exit strategies
Slide 10: Financials and Exit

14. Maple Leaf Angels - Connects
Our mandate is to connect experienced, accredited investors, and the brightest,
most passionate entrepreneurs in an effective investment process.
www.mapleleafangels.com | info@mapleleafangels.com | 416.646.6235 | @mapleleafangels

15. CONTACT
www.mapleleafangels.com | info@mapleleafangels.com | 416.646.6235 | @mapleleafangels
APPLY FOR FUNDING

16. Contact Information
Gerard Buckley, BBA, FICB, ICD.D
Managing Director
Jaguar Capital Inc.
(C) 416-884-9522
(W) 416-646-6789
g.buckley@jaguarcapital.ca
gerard@mapleleafangels.com
www.jaguarcapital.ca
Twitter: @jaguarcapital
Twitter: @gerardbuckley
Slideshare: Jaguar Capital
www.mapleleafangels.com | info@mapleleafangels.com | 416.646.6235 | @mapleleafangels