The verdict in three sentences
Raising funds is not won on the idea alone but on two deliverables: a solid business plan and a pitch deck of 10 to 12 slides that captures attention in minutes. The BP proves rigor, the deck sells the vision — both must tell the same quantified story. In 2026, a clear deck and credible assumptions often weigh more than the market size claimed.
The pitch deck structure
An effective deck fits in 10 to 12 slides, one idea per slide. Here is what each slide must contain and the investor's expectation.
| Slide | Content | Investor expectation |
|---|---|---|
| Problem | Clear, real pain | Is it a genuine need? |
| Solution | Your answer in one sentence | Is it credible? |
| Market | Quantified size and target | Is there room? |
| Product | Demo or screenshots | Does it exist yet? |
| Business model | How you make money | Is it profitable? |
| Traction | Current numbers (users, revenue) | Does it already work? |
| Competition | Clear positioning | Why you? |
| Team | Who executes | Can they deliver? |
| Financials | 3-year forecast | Do the numbers hold? |
| The ask | Amount and use of funds | How much, for what? |
Business plan and financial assumptions
The BP develops what the deck summarizes. Here are the expected documents and assumptions (2026 estimate).
| Document | Content | Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| Executive summary | 1–2 pages, the essentials | Read first, decisive |
| Forecast 3–5 yrs | Revenue, costs, profit, cash | Justified assumptions |
| Financing plan | Uses / resources | Balanced |
| Valuation | Basis of the raise | Realistic, argued |
| Use of funds | Breakdown of the amount | Consistent with plan |
A clear deck and credible numbers are estimated to markedly raise the odds of landing an investor meeting. Conversely, an inflated valuation with no traction cools interest immediately.
A convincing deck, a rewarding network
While raising funds, you meet dozens of entrepreneurs. The Kolonell business referrer program turns these contacts into income for every digital project recommended.
| Division | Commission on sale | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase | 15% | 5% |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
A referred marketplace at 5,000,000 FCFA = 500,000 FCFA commission. Your networking encounters become a second income stream, with no extra effort.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Khadija, founder of a fintech in Dakar, wants to raise 30,000,000 FCFA. Her first deck runs 25 slides and drowns the investor. She trims it to 11 slides, adds a traction slide (1,200 users, monthly growth) and a clear ask: 30,000,000 FCFA with 60% to product and 40% to acquisition. With a consistent 3-year forecast, she lands three investor meetings in a month.
FAQ
How many slides for a pitch deck?
Roughly 10 to 12 slides, one idea per slide. Beyond that you lose attention; below it, key elements like traction or financials are often missing.
What is the difference between a business plan and a pitch deck?
The BP is the detailed document (20+ pages, full forecast). The deck is the visual presentation of 10 to 12 slides that makes people want to read the BP.
How do I set my valuation?
It must be realistic and backed by traction, market and forecast. An inflated valuation with no proof scares off serious investors.
What do banks want versus investors?
Banks mainly look at repayment capacity and collateral; investors look at growth potential and the team. The deck must adapt to the audience.
How much does BP + deck support cost?
Roughly 100,000 to 300,000 FCFA depending on depth, often paid back with the first financing obtained.
Let's talk about your project. We produce your business plan and pitch deck ready to convince banks and investors. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
