Gemini AI Prompt: Core Theme: Female Founders, Empowerment, Positive Change Emotions to Evoke: Positive Energy, Love, Respect, Kindness, Hope, Possibility, Collective Achievement Aesthetic Style: Contemporary, Aspirational, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Uplifting, Empowering Composition: Dynamic, Visually Engaging, Movement, Depth, Abstract/Symbolic Elements (growth, connection, empowerment - lines, forms, flowers) Color Palettes: * Primary: Warm neutrals, soft browns, off-whites (grounding, harmonious) - #F8F0E3, #E8D5C2, #D2BBA0, #B9A287, #9F8A70, #86725A, #6D5B44, #544430, #3B2E1C, #221808, #FFFFFF * Secondary: Vibrant, uplifting (energy, passion, positivity) - #FFB6C1, #FFA07A, #FFD700, #87CEEB, #98FB98, #E6E6FA, #FF69B4, #DDA0DD, #FFFACD, #FFFFFF, #F0FFF0 Technical Specs: * Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) * Time of Day: 22:30 (Nighttime - reflection, forward momentum) Key Considerations: * Distinctive and memorable * Subtle and nuanced message of female empowerment * Technically sound and visually polished Brainstorming Ideas: Abstract Interconnected Lines: Use lines of varying thicknesses and colors from the palettes to represent connections between female founders. The lines could flow upwards to symbolize growth and forward momentum. Use primary colors for grounding and secondary colors to inject energy. Flowing Forms with Blooming Flowers: Create abstract flowing forms in primary neutral colors, with vibrant secondary colors forming blooming flower-like shapes emerging from these forms. This can represent growth and the flourishing of female-led ventures. Layered Circles or Spheres: Use circles/spheres in primary colors, layered and partially transparent to create depth. Within these circles, incorporate hints of secondary colors or small, vibrant elements to represent individual founders contributing to a larger whole. Abstract Figures in Silhouette: Subtly suggest female figures in silhouette using the primary colors, and use lines or light emanating from them in secondary colors to represent their energy and impact. Keep it very abstract, more about suggestion than literal representation. Considering the Time of Day (22:30 - Nighttime): This suggests reflection but also forward momentum. Nighttime can also be associated with dreams, possibilities, and a quiet strength. This leans towards a more subtle and nuanced approach, not overly bright and overtly energetic, but more thoughtful and aspirational. Choosing an Approach: Abstract Interconnected Lines seems promising. It directly addresses 'connection' and 'growth' as requested symbolic elements. Lines can be dynamic and easily manipulated to create movement and depth. Refining the Abstract Line Concept: Background: Start with a gradient background using primary colors, perhaps transitioning from darker to lighter browns or off-whites from bottom to top to suggest grounding and aspiration. Lines: Use lines of varying thicknesses and colors from BOTH palettes. Thicker lines in primary colors for foundational connections, and thinner, more vibrant lines from the secondary palette weaving through and around them to represent energy, individual contributions, and the 'spark' of female entrepreneurship. Movement & Depth: Make the lines flow upwards and outwards. Overlap lines to create depth. Vary line opacity to enhance the sense of layers and interplay. Subtle Symbolism: The lines themselves become the symbol of connection and growth. The upward movement is inherent growth direction. Interconnection represents collaboration. Color Usage: Primary colors for the base structure and grounding. Secondary colors for vibrant energy and passion. Use white from both palettes strategically for highlights and to enhance the 'aspirational' feel, maybe as the end point of some lines or as subtle glows. Color Palette Strategy: Primary Palette: Background gradients, thicker lines, foundational forms. Use the darker shades at the bottom and lighter towards the top for background. Use mid-range browns for thicker, grounding lines. Secondary Palette: Thinner, vibrant lines weaving through. Use the lighter, pastel shades for gentler energy and the brighter, saturated colors for more intense points of focus or emphasis. Use white to blend and highlight. Technical Execution - Mental Steps for Image Generation (even though I am describing this for image generation, this thought process applies to directing a human artist or if I was generating it with code): Canvas Setup: 4K resolution (3840x2160). Darker primary color (e.g., #3B2E1C) at the bottom, lighter primary color (e.g., #F8F0E3) at the top, create a vertical gradient background. Primary Lines (Foundation): Create thicker, flowing lines using mid-range primary colors (e.g., #B9A287, #D2BBA0). Start from the lower part of the canvas and move upwards and outwards, creating gentle curves and overlaps. Vary line thickness slightly. Secondary Lines (Energy): Overlay thinner, more vibrant lines using secondary colors (e.g., #FFB6C1, #FFA07A, #FFD700, #87CEEB). These lines should weave around and through the primary lines, adding bursts of color and dynamic movement. Some can start from the primary lines and branch out. White Highlights: Use white (#FFFFFF) from both palettes to add subtle highlights to the lines, especially where secondary lines intersect or branch out. This can create a sense of light and aspiration. Perhaps subtle glows at the 'end' points of some lines. Refinement & Polish: Adjust line opacities to create depth and layering. Fine-tune color balances. Ensure the overall mood is uplifting and harmonious. Check for visual balance and dynamism. Make sure it feels contemporary and aspirational, referencing abstract expressionism (in the freedom and emotion in lines) and minimalism (in the simplicity and clarity of the core message). Substack AI Image.
Why Your Pitch Deck Matters
You are a founder diligently working to build your company, busy building your company. As an operator, your first priority is running your company, as it should be. You may think it's not worth your time putting energy into your pitch deck, but it is a really important tool. If you are seeking to raise capital — whether that be from a venture capitalist, private equity firm, investment bank, grants or even an SBA loan — you will have to show a viable and compelling business plan.
Beyond the First Meeting
A pitch deck isn’t only about securing a meeting, but it’s also used as an internal communication tool that can make or break the fundraising process. Have you ever played the game of telephone where the message at the end is almost never anything like the one at the beginning? This is what may happen after you have a call with an investor at a firm and they, in turn, communicate your vision to the rest of the team.
Alignment and Clarity
Spending time and money on a deck may seem like a distraction from your business and a nuisance. But it should be a tool to align the co-founders and the team on vision, strategy and execution. It also ensures consistent storytelling and may help you work through gaps in your business. You don’t need to be a great designer; that is something you may outsource, but you do need to spend time on content.
Apply for Funding and Pitch Deck Review:
Ready to take your startup to the next level? Apply for funding with a pitch deck via the Dealum platform: Evolution Ventures MinervaFund.
Learn More via Hannah Savage
Please feel free to use the button below to subscribe and learn more via the “Startup Syntax” series by Hannah Savage.
