Pitch Deck Masterclass is for early-stage founders who are constantly pitching in search of investors who are ready to say, “YES!” In today’s competitive market, even a strong product and promising traction aren’t always enough to secure funding. This masterclass equips you with the tools to craft a clear, compelling pitch and deliver it with confidence—both in writing and in person—so you can increase your chances of moving investors to the next step.

Limited to 10 early-stage founders. Application required.

This course is not part of our 2025 Subscription Program

In partnership with GTS.

 

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Starts: Jan 30th

  • Length: 7 Weeks

  • Type: Self-paced + Live Office Hours

  • Live Sessions: Thur, 1-2:30 ET

  • Offered: Once a year

 

Course FEATURES

  • Master the essential elements of a successful pitch deck, including storytelling, investor-focused messaging, and visual design that captures attention and communicates value effectively.

  • Build and refine your verbal pitch with expert guidance, ensuring you deliver your message clearly, concisely, and with confidence in every investor interaction.

  • Receive tailored feedback on your pitch deck and delivery from experienced investors and mentors, helping you refine your approach and address common investor concerns.

  • Explore successful case studies, learn investor psychology, and gain actionable tools to prepare for tough questions and increase your chances of securing funding.

  • Showcase your polished pitch deck and delivery to a panel of investors and industry experts, gaining valuable exposure and real-time feedback.

 

key topics

BUILDING A COMPELLING PITCH DECK

Learn the structure and essential slides every investor expects, from problem-solution framing to financial projections and the go-to-market strategy

CRAFTING YOUR STORY

Discover how to connect with investors through a clear, engaging narrative that highlights your vision, traction, and market potential.

DELIVERING WITH CONFIDENCE

Master techniques for presenting your pitch with clarity and poise, ensuring you leave a lasting impression in both formal and casual investor settings.

HANDLING INVESTOR QUESTIONS AND OBJECTIONS

Develop strategies to address tough questions about competition, scalability, and risk while building credibility and trust with potential investors.

 

Guest Speakers

Kim Bruschi Kim is the President and Owner of Storied Visual Communication Studio, a B2B Communication Design professional specializing in strategic presentations and pitch decks. Skilled in copywriting, design, and marketing, Kim transforms insights into visuals that drive growth and highlight business strengths.

Danish Dhamani  Danish is the CEO of Orai, a public speaking app that has helped over 400,000 people speak more clearly and confidently with AI feedback. He is also a TEDx speaker with over 5M views, and has been featured in Forbes 30 under 30. Outside of work, he travels the world, cycles in amazing places, and tries to meditate without losing focus. Danish’s three superpowers are - Strategy, Storytelling, and Sleep!

Ahmed Mirza Ahmed is an Senior Investor at Techstars, where he runs the Los Angeles, Healthcare, and Space programs. Over the last two years at Techstars, Ahmed as invested in 96 companies across six sectors: B2B, SaaS, Retail / E-Commerce, Health & Wellness, Deep-Tech, Prop-Tech, and Climate / Sustainability. Most recently, Ahmed was selected to Business Insider’s Rising Stars list of Venture Capital. Additionally, Ahmed serves as a Faculty Lecturer to the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.

Parul Singh Parul is a Board Partner at Initialized Capital where she invests in analytics, and healthcare startups. Previously an investor at Founder Collective, Parul evaluated over 3,000 companies and spearheaded the firm’s investments in Embark Veterinary, HumanFirst, HealthNote, and Flume Health. Parul spent a decade as an engineer and product manager at New York Times, Inc., and Fast Company, and founded an edtech analytics company.

Who should TAKE THIS COURSE

early-stage founders

Why: To refine their pitch, build confidence in presenting to investors, and secure the funding essential for scaling their startup successfully.

 

Course Criteria

  • By application - Deadline is Jan 20th.

  • Pitch deck required.

  • MVP in testing or in the market.

  • Product and business models are scalable and venture-backable.

  • Founder actively leading fundraising or sales.

  • Agree to participate in pitch event.

PRICE

HarvardAE Members $599

Non Members $699

*Does not include transaction fees. No refunds.

Not included in the subscription.

instructor

Kirin Kalia, founder and CEO of Grow Through Story, is a startup veteran and communications expert with 25+ years of experience across journalism and marketing. She helps founders master their messaging and public-speaking skills so they raise more money and grow their revenue faster. Kirin has coached 1000+ founders to pitch investors and innovation leaders at companies including Visa, P&G Ventures and more. She is a Techstars 2023 All-Star Mentor and also supports several other accelerator programs including the HarvardAE Accelerator.