Startup Pitching Guide›Pitch Deck Guide›The Ask Slide

The Ask Slide: Making Your Request Clear

Your ask slide is where you make the actual request. Learn how to ask for the right amount in the right way to maximize your chances of getting a yes.

The Purpose of Your Ask

Your ask slide should be crystal clear about what you want, how much you need, and exactly what investors will get in return. This is where you transition from storytelling to business negotiation.

🎯 Your Goal

Make investors think "This is a reasonable ask for a compelling opportunity with clear terms and strong potential returns."

Ask Slide Framework

1. The Amount

Be specific about how much you're raising:

$2.5M
Series A Funding
Pro tip: Give a range if needed: "$2M - $3M" but have a specific target

2. Use of Funds

Show exactly how you'll spend the money:

Product Development & Engineering
40% ($1M)
Sales & Marketing
35% ($875K)
Team Expansion (5 key hires)
20% ($500K)
Operations & Working Capital
5% ($125K)

3. Milestones & Timeline

Show what you'll achieve with this funding:

6
Launch v2.0 with enterprise features
12
Reach $500K ARR and 10,000 active users
18
Ready for Series B ($2M ARR, profitable unit economics)

4. Valuation & Terms (Optional)

Include if you have a specific valuation target:

Pre-money Valuation:
$10M
Post-money Valuation:
$12.5M

Note: Many VCs prefer to discuss valuation later. Include only if you have strong justification.

Ask Slide Template

The Ask
$[Amount]
[Round Type] Funding

Use of Funds

[Category 1][%] ($[Amount])
[Category 2][%] ($[Amount])
[Category 3][%] ($[Amount])

18-Month Milestones

• [Key milestone 1 with timeline]
• [Key milestone 2 with timeline]
• [Key milestone 3 with timeline]

How to Calculate Your Ask

Bottom-Up Approach

  1. 1. Calculate your monthly burn rate
  2. 2. Multiply by 18-24 months (runway to next round)
  3. 3. Add buffer for unexpected expenses (20-30%)
  4. 4. Add growth investments (marketing, hiring)

Example: $50K/month burn × 20 months + $200K buffer + $300K growth = $1.5M ask

Milestone-Based Approach

  1. 1. Define key milestones for next fundraise
  2. 2. Estimate costs to reach each milestone
  3. 3. Add working capital and contingency
  4. 4. Ensure you can show strong traction

Goal: Raise enough to reach milestones that justify 3-5x higher valuation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Asking for Too Little

Don't ask for just enough to limp along for 6-12 months. You need 18-24 months to hit meaningful milestones and be ready for the next round.

❌ Vague Use of Funds

Don't say "general working capital" or "business development." Be specific: "Hire 2 engineers, 1 sales rep, $200K for Facebook ads."

❌ Unrealistic Timelines

Don't promise to 10x revenue in 6 months. Set achievable milestones that show strong progress but remain credible.

❌ No Clear Next Steps

Always end with a clear call to action. Don't just ask for money - ask for a specific next meeting or follow-up.