In the rollercoaster ride of pitching to investors, there's a pivotal moment when the conversation turns to numbers. You lay out your projections, your dreams, and your worst nightmares. It's like walking on a tightrope with three different types of weights - the optimistic, the real, and the pessimistic cases.

The Crystal Ball Circus: Optimistic Case

First, we unleash the optimist in us. We present a scenario where every star aligns, and our startup soars to unprecedented heights. It's akin to imagining that your lemonade stand could become the next Coca-Cola. In this world, revenue curves resemble a rocket's trajectory, and profit margins are as expansive as the Grand Canyon. Investors might raise an eyebrow, but it's our moment to shine.

Reality Strikes: Real Case

With our optimism suitably appreciated, we descend to the real case. It's like waking up from a dream, realizing that we're still running a lemonade stand. This is the part where we crunch the numbers based on realistic expectations. Revenue projections might be tamer, and expenses start to glare menacingly. It's where we acknowledge market volatility, customer fickleness, and all those unexpected bumps on the startup road.

The Cliffhanger: Pessimistic Case

Just when the investors might have settled into the real-case comfort zone, we introduce the pessimistic scenario. It's like switching from a summer blockbuster to a suspenseful thriller. Here, revenue barely keeps pace with expenses, and profitability looks like a distant mirage. It's a reminder that in the startup world, anything that can go wrong often does, and we need to be prepared for the worst.

Balancing Act: The Tightrope

So why do we go through this exercise in numbers and emotions? It's because, in the world of startups, investors need to see that we're not just dreamers; we're realists too. We're aware that startups are unpredictable beasts, and preparing for the worst is as important as striving for the best.

It's like packing for a trip - we bring the sunhat and the umbrella because we don't control the weather. Similarly, we present these three cases to show that we're ready for whatever curveballs the market throws our way.

Our pitch isn't a crystal ball; it's a compass that guides our journey. It helps us chart our course, anticipate obstacles, and ensure that we're ready to pivot when needed. It's a reminder that in the startup tightrope walk, we must balance optimism, realism, and a dash of healthy pessimism to stay upright.

So, the next time you find yourself crunching numbers in a pitch, remember, it's not just about financial projections; it's about showcasing your ability to navigate the unpredictable journey that is entrepreneurship.

Author:

Arjun Thomas

Co-founder @ ComeBy