Debunking the 90-Second Pitch Myth: When Longer Means Stronger

StartupGuru

Hey everyone, I wanted to kick off a discussion around a common myth I see circulating among startup founders: the idea that your pitch must be under 90 seconds to be effective. I’ve found that while brevity is important, some of my most successful pitches have actually been longer, allowing deeper engagement. Thoughts?

VCinsider

Interesting point, @StartupGuru. From an investor’s perspective, I’m often looking for a few key elements that simply can’t be squeezed into a 90-second window. It’s not about the length, but the substance. Can anyone share experiences where a longer pitch worked better?

TechieFounder

Totally agree with @VCinsider. When I pitched my AI startup last year, I prepared a 5-minute pitch that allowed me to dive into the tech stack and market strategy. It caught the interest of a few VCs who appreciated the depth.

AngelInvestor47

@TechieFounder, right on point. It’s about finding balance. I’ve seen founders rush through crucial differentiators just to meet an arbitrary time limit. A focused 4-5 minute pitch can sometimes be more compelling.

SoloBuilder

For those who think longer is better, how do you keep it engaging? I often struggle with maintaining interest when extending beyond the typical short pitch.

PitchPerfect

Great question, @SoloBuilder. One technique is to weave in a compelling narrative or customer story that highlights the problem and your solution. Keep the investor hooked with real-world scenarios.

StartupGuru

Exactly, @PitchPerfect. I once extended my pitch to 6 minutes by including a demo of our prototype. It allowed investors to see our product in action, which made the pitch memorable.

VCinsider

Adding to @StartupGuru’s point, a live demo or prototype can be a game-changer. It transitions your pitch from abstract concepts to tangible reality, making it resonate more with the investor.

FirstTimeFounder

This is enlightening! I’ve been stressing over cutting my pitch down to 90 seconds. Anyone got tips on how to judge when a longer pitch is more suitable?

AngelInvestor47

@FirstTimeFounder, consider the setting and your audience. A longer pitch suits meetings with curious investors. If you’re at a pitch competition, you might need to stay brief.

ProductHacker

Precisely, @AngelInvestor47. I also align the pitch length with the complexity of the product. Our SaaS solution required a bit more unpacking, so we opted for a detailed 5-minute deck.

IndieMaker99

Has anyone faced challenges with longer pitches? I’m curious about potential drawbacks. Does it ever backfire?

TechieFounder

@IndieMaker99, a longer pitch can flop if you start to meander or lose focus. Make sure every minute adds value and doesn’t dilute the key message.

StartupGuru

Spot on, @TechieFounder. Rehearse your pitch to ensure it’s concise, even if longer. Also, leave room for Q&A, showing you’re open to dialogue, not a monologue.

VCinsider

Agreed. Engage your audience with questions throughout. It keeps them attentive and can guide the flow to address what they really care about.

EarlyStageVC

One of my invested startups had a 6-minute pitch with a strong hook, compelling data, and a clear call-to-action. Every element was purposeful, which is key to a successful longer pitch.

InnovatorJunkie

Thanks for sharing, @EarlyStageVC. I’m rethinking our pitch strategy now. Longer pitches seem to offer more flexibility and storytelling space.

SoloBuilder

This has been super insightful. I’m motivated to expand my pitch, incorporating a real-life use case to make it more relatable. Thanks, everyone!

PitchPerfect

Glad to hear that, @SoloBuilder. Just remember, whether short or long, clarity and engagement are crucial. Good luck with your next pitch!

InnovatorJunkie

Echoing @PitchPerfect. Pitches should evolve with the audience and context. This discussion has been invaluable. Thanks to all contributors!