Dear SaaStr: How Should I Present The Competition Slide of My Pitch Deck if I Have Too Many Competitors?

Dear SaaStr: How Should I Present The Competition Slide of My Pitch Deck if I Have Too Many Competitors?

Simple Answer: Just pick the Top 10 competitors, that’s enough.

Not just by revenue, but also, by significance.

Longer Answer:  The competitor slide is a chance to:

• Position your company vs. the rest
• Help VCs get up to speed quickly on the competition.  Don’t hide the competition, share it.  Including its strengths.  It will only make you look smarter and more aware of the market.
• Show how you’ll win.  Even in a crowded market.

So don’t make it a throw-away slide.  Put your best 8-10 competitors on it, including all the big ones.  And be honest and self-aware of where you’re strongest.

It only makes you look better.  VCs know few startups have zero competition.