I’ve seen a lot of decks as a VC, and honestly, storytelling always stands out more than the design. If a founder can’t clearly explain the problem, solution, and vision in a compelling way, no amount of sleek slides will save them. Thoughts?

Totally agree! As a VC, storytelling is what really captures attention. A clear narrative around the problem, your solution, and the vision for the future creates connection and trust. Sleek design helps, but it can’t replace a strong story. If founders focus on explaining why their product matters and how it changes the market, investors listen. For those looking to improve, checking out pitch deck examples is a great way to see how powerful storytelling comes to life in real decks.

I'm in product, and I say: both matter, but it depends on your audience. Angels often go for emotion — storytelling wins. But institutional VCs appreciate a design that makes metrics pop. So maybe it's not either/or… it's how well they support each other. A great story needs a clear visual flow.