7 tips for pitching your project
Pitching your project to a future partner is a bit like doing a first date: you want to show the best of yourself, without overdoing it, while creating a real bond. And spoiler alert... It's not as simple as it sounds.
When you talk to someone about your idea, whether it's a friend, a family member, or a stranger you met at a networking party (like the HowIMetMyCofounders sessions), remember: this person isn't living in your head. She hasn't seen how far you've already come. So, how do you take him with you on the adventure? Here are 7 tips that could make a difference 👇
1. Talk about your vision (and the fire that drives you) 🚀
Ask yourself this question: "Why does this project thrill me?".
Is this a subject that affects you personally? A problem you absolutely want to solve? Something that annoys you to the point of wanting to change the world (or at least a little bit)? Tell us what drives you, what you want to transform, the impact you want to have. Passion is contagious. The more you believe in it, the more the person in front of you will want to believe it too.
⭐ Tip: Speak with shining eyes, that's your best argument.
2. Tell your story 📖
Behind every project, there is a trigger. An "aha moment". Maybe you struggled with something and thought, "Why hasn't anyone thought about that yet?" And boom, your idea was born.
Example: Maxime struggled for 2 years to find compatible vegan roommates. Result? He has set up a matching app for roommates according to lifestyles.
The more sincere you are, the more you create a bond. And good storytelling is like a good film: you want to see the rest!
3. Show that you've mastered your subject 👌
You don't need to throw 50 slides around with curves and KPIs. What matters is to show that you know what you're talking about. That you have dug into your market, identified the real problems and that you propose concrete avenues.
You can name a trend of the moment, a striking statistic or even a meme that sums it up well.
⭐ Fun fact: In 2023, 65% of startups failed because of a lack of alignment in the founding team. So, show that you know where you're going.
4. Value what you've already done 🛠️
Even if it's "not much", every step counts. Did you make a prototype? Have you had any feedback? Have you tested an ugly but functional version? That's already huge.
What matters is to prove that you are not right in ideas, but also in action. 💪
⭐ Tip: Having something to show off, even a well-laid out Canva, can be enough to build trust.
5. Be clear about what you're looking for 🗣️
You can't (and shouldn't) do everything on your own. Name what you need: someone for the product, sales, tech, strategy... but also what you expect humanly. A person who challenges you? Who is ultra-organized? Anything is possible!
And above all, remember what you bring to the table. Are you the person who carries the vision? Who has the energy? The first connections? Be transparent, that's how you build a healthy relationship.
6. Talk about your values (not just your skills) 💛
A good pair is not just about complementary skills. It's also a vision of shared work, a compatible rhythm, ways of managing the ups and downs.
Do you work rather late at night with lo-fi in the background, or are you more of a "wake up at 6 a.m. + to-do list" team? Do you want a chill or ultra-perf corporate culture?
Values are the invisible glue of your duo. Talk about it early, that's what avoids a lot of clashes later! 😉
7. Create a real exchange 🤝
A good pitch is not a monologue. It's a ping-pong game. Ask questions. Request feedback. Leave room for the other. The smoother the chat, the more you'll see if the connection can be genuine.
⭐ Little hack: Plan one or two open-ended questions to ask at the end of your pitch, like: "And you, what would make you vibrate in a project like this?"
🔥 In short
Pitching your project to a potential co-founder is to sow the seeds of a future partnership. Tell your story with passion, be clear about what you want, open the dialogue... And above all, stay yourself.
So, whether it's face-to-face at a HowIMetMyCofounders event or online via our platform (you can obviously do both), there's only one thing to do... Dare !
Because in the end, a good match is not forced, it is prepared! 🌱
To go further... 🚀
👉 To discover the great projects that are looking for co-founders, it's here !
👉 And to place your ad to look for co-founders for your project, it's here !