6-1 Discussion Post Response OL320

In your response posts, consider what your peers identify as crucial elements of an elevator pitch. How do they connect elements of their gap analyses with their pitches?

RANDY

Hi Class,

It is week 6 of this term. We are almost there!

A strong funding pitch works because it is clear, compelling, and credible, and because it quickly communicates why the opportunity matters and why the presenter or team is well positioned to pursue it. An ideal pitch is not meant to explain every detail of a business idea but to spark interest and confidence. At its best, a pitch tells a concise story that connects a real problem to a meaningful solution and shows a believable path to value creation. Like the reading this week mentions, it is also called an “elevator pitch”, and the concept arises because it is meant to “pitch your business in two minutes, or the time to ride the elevator to the top of a building” (Bamford & Bruton, 2022, p. 52).

One of the most important elements of an effective pitch is a clearly defined problem. Successful pitches identify a specific pain point that affects a well-defined audience and explain why that problem is urgent or costly. When the problem is vague or broadly stated, the pitch loses impact. A strong pitch makes the listener immediately recognize the need being addressed.

Equally important is a compelling solution that directly responds to the problem. Rather than focusing on technical features, effective pitches emphasize outcomes and benefits. Investors want to understand how the solution improves the current situation and why it is practical and achievable.

A strong value proposition further strengthens the pitch by explaining what makes the solution different and better than existing alternatives. This component answers the question of why the opportunity exists and why the proposed solution is likely to succeed where others have not. Without clear differentiation, even innovative ideas can appear unconvincing.

In addition, a successful pitch demonstrates that the problem exists at a scale that justifies investment. This involves briefly describing the target market and the broader opportunity, showing that the issue affects enough people or organizations to create meaningful impact and potential returns. The pitch should also establish credibility by signaling feasibility, whether through team expertise, early traction, or a realistic execution approach.

Lastly, an effective pitch concludes with a clear ask or next step, such as funding, a follow-up meeting, or a pilot opportunity. This gives the audience direction and reinforces the purpose of the pitch.

A thoughtful gap analysis plays a central role in building an effective pitch. By clearly identifying the gap between the current state and the desired state, the presenter shows why existing solutions are insufficient and why a new approach is needed. Gap analysis helps focus the pitch on unmet needs, sharpens differentiation, and creates a logical flow from problem to solution. Ultimately, it strengthens persuasion by grounding the pitch in a real, well-defined gap that the proposed solution is designed to close.

JEANETTA

Good morning,

A strong funding pitch provides clarity, credibility, and urgency in a short time. An effective pitch clearly defines a real, specific problem, presents a solution that directly addresses that problem, and shows why the solution is valuable and scalable. The pitch will establish credibility by demonstrating why the team or company is capable of executing the idea and concludes witha clear funding ask. Rather than overwhelming the audience with details, a successful pitch tells a focused story that makes the opportunity easy to understand and is compelling to support.

A thoughtful gap analysis can strengthen the pitch by framing the opportunity as the difference between the current state and a better future state. By clearly explaining what is not working today, why the existing solution falls short, and what success should look like, the gap analysis creates urgency and justifies the need for the proposed solution. This approach keeps the pitch problem centered, highlights differentiation, and ties all elements (problem, solution, and value) into a coherent narrative that investors can quickly understand and hopefully want to invest in.