Demystifying the Investor Pitch Deck with GoGetta

Yesterday, Pinaco & Co , in collaboration with GoGetta , co-hosted a Webinar intended to empower Eswatini entreprenuers to craft a compelling investor pitch deck, navigate GoGetta’s equity-based crowdfunding platform and most importantly, get funded!

GoGetta’s Journey and Mission

Sthembiso Zwane, GoGetta Co-founder and Director shared how in 2021 he had a “light-bulb moment” that led to the creation of a platform that allows individuals to invest in African businesses on the same terms as venture capitalists. A new avenue for investment, GoGetta was established to support the growth of African businesses, realizing both financial returns and wider impact. The company is powered by Grovest – the largest administrator of small cap funds in South Africa with assets of over R3.5 billion under administration.

An authorized financial services provider, GoGetta only launched on 1 August 2022 and a year later was crowned the “Best Early-Stage African Investments Company for 2023” in the Private Equity and Venture Capital Awards at Wealth & Finance. Following best practice models of international equity crowdfunding, the company is taking on Africa – opening her doors to global investors.

“GoGetta empowers individuals to invest in African businesses at par with venture capitalists, fostering growth for African ventures, especially those led by young entrepreneurs,” Zwane said.

The minimum amount startups can raise on the platform is R1.5 million, with the potential to raise up to R10 million per company, per campaign. Outlining the process and criteria for entrepreneurs seeking funding through the GoGetta platform, Zwane emphasized the importance of a well-prepared pitch deck and a solid understanding of one’s business.

Creating a Compelling Pitch Deck

A pitch deck is simply a presentation of 15 slides (or less) showcasing your business to potential investors. “The introductory slide is your chance to make an impression – keep it short and sweet; clear and concise. It must introduce the company, its vision, mission, and the person presenting,” he explained. The second slide presents the problem your business is solving and why now is the right time to solve it. There has to be evidence of the problem – whether in your community, country or at a global level.

The third slide showcases the company’s solution to the problem. It provides a brief overview of the products, focusing on the problem it solves, unique features, and market opportunity. Beyond the problem and the solution, entrepreneurs must present the total addressable market, serviceable addressable market, and obtainable market when developing a product. Furthermore, competitor analysis, trend analysis, and the need for a solid investment plan, including realistic financial projections. Lastly, the entrepreneur must be able to answer tough questions, demonstrating confidence and comfort in the business vision. Visit www.gogetta.africa to download (editable) GoGetta pitch deck template.

Discussion on New Business Investment and Growth Focus

Moderated by Thembela Msibi , the question and answer session, allowed Eswatini entreprenuers to ask pointed questions to the Guest Presenter. Prince, who works with agri-business companies, asked about the investment criteria for GoGetta, to which Sthembiso responded that GoGetta invests in any startups, regardless of revenue or country. However, the business must be in an early stage and have the potential for growth.

Meeting participants, including Wandile Zishwili, engaged in a discussion about the importance of persistence, clarity, and consistency in starting and growing successful businesses. Charlton C. Tsodzo, PhD, ACIArb. , reflected on funding trends in the African startup ecosystem, importance of a well-thought-out business model as well as the three Ps, “Product, Process and People”.

In his concluding remarks, Sthembiso said, “Every entrepreneur, young and old, must understand that entrepreneurship is not an easy road. You have to persevere. You have to hold on. You need grit. You need passion. You need to be confident and believe in yourself with whatever business that you are running. Rest assured, there will be storms. Get through the storms. Rest assured, you will get scars. If you do fall to your knees, get up every single time. Take it from me – a young entrepreneur who has seen quite a few things over the last couple of years. Be willing to learn from someone else. You don’t know what you don’t know. Open yourself up to learning.”

The “Investor Pitch Deck Webinar 2.0” is part of the 2024 Pinaco & Co’s Webinar series available on the company’s YouTube channel. Below is a list of past Webinars;

• Funding Your Startup: Debt vs Equity Webinar
• Raising Capital on the Eswatini Stock Exchange Webinar
• Investor Pitch Deck 1.0 (Part 1)
• Investor Pitch Deck 1.0 (Part 2)

Upcoming 2024 Webinars

1. Protecting Intellectual Property: What startups need to know
2. Unpacking the African Start-up Ecosystem
3. Eswatini to the World: Startup Success Stories
4. Impact of AI and Machine Learning on Startups