How to Create an Elevator Pitch
Oct 17, 2025
How to Create an Elevator Pitch
"A clear, concise, and compelling elevator pitch is more than just a quick introduction—it’s a powerful tool that captures attention, builds credibility, and opens the door to new opportunities.”
As an early-stage startup owner, the need to articulate your vision succinctly cannot be overstated. Enter the elevator pitch—a brief, persuasive speech that can spark interest in your venture in the time it takes to ride an elevator. Mastering this art can open doors to funding, partnerships, and mentorship opportunities. Here’s a practical one-minute guide to crafting an elevator pitch that gets results.
What is an Elevator Pitch?
An elevator pitch typically lasts about 30 to 90 seconds and serves as a concise summary of your business idea. It’s designed to resonate with potential investors, customers, or partners quickly. By delivering your pitch effectively, you can leave a lasting impression that encourages your audience to want to learn more.
But a great elevator pitch isn’t just about speed — it’s about precision and intent. You’re not trying to say everything about your business. You’re trying to say the right thing that captures attention, builds curiosity, and opens the door to a longer conversation.
☑️ Lead with clarity, not complexity. Your listener should understand what you do in the first sentence. If they’re asking, “Wait, what does that mean?” — you’ve already lost them.
☑️ Anchor your pitch to a pain point or opportunity. The best elevator pitches aren’t product-first; they’re problem-first. Start by defining the problem in a way that makes your audience nod along — then introduce how you solve it differently.
Most people make the mistake of treating their elevator pitch like a mini investor deck — crammed with features, buzzwords, and growth stats. But in 90 seconds, clarity beats complexity every time.
Think of it this way: your goal isn’t to close a deal in the elevator; it’s to spark enough interest to get invited to the next conversation.
We learned this the hard way. Early on, our team’s pitch tried to do too much — talking about the market, the product roadmap, and even early traction. It was technically impressive, but emotionally flat. When we rewrote it around the problem our customers face every day, everything changed. Suddenly, people leaned in. They understood why we existed.
So we rebuilt our pitch using three simple rules:
- Start with the problem. What pain are you solving, and why does it matter now?
- Show your unique angle. What’s different about your approach or insight?
- End with a hook. Give them a clear next step — a reason to keep talking.
An effective elevator pitch isn’t memorized jargon; it’s a story compressed into one minute. It’s the moment someone goes from “I don’t know who you are” to “Tell me more.”
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When done right, it becomes your portable value proposition — something every founder, salesperson, and marketer can deliver confidently anywhere: at a conference, in a meeting, or even in line for coffee.
As one founder put it:
“The best pitches don’t sound like pitches. They sound like conversations you actually want to keep having.”
Why Does it Matter?
For entrepreneurs, the ability to communicate your concept clearly and compellingly is crucial. Think about it: you might meet a potential investor or partner unexpectedly in an elevator. Having a well-crafted pitch ready can turn a fleeting moment into a valuable opportunity. It builds confidence and demonstrates professionalism — essential qualities for anyone looking to launch a successful business.
But beyond the cliché of the “elevator moment,” the real reason it matters runs deeper. In today’s fast-paced world, attention is the rarest currency. Whether you’re pitching to investors, customers, or even potential hires, you’re competing with noise, notifications, and hundreds of other ideas every day.
☑️ A strong elevator pitch cuts through that noise. It tells people in seconds why your idea matters and why they should care — no slides, no jargon, no build-up.
☑️ It’s also a forcing function for clarity. If you can’t explain your idea in under a minute, it’s a sign you don’t understand it deeply enough yet.
Most founders learn this the hard way. They start with long, detail-heavy explanations filled with buzzwords — thinking that complexity equals credibility. But the opposite is true. Simplicity signals mastery. The clearer your story, the faster people connect with it.
Convinco helps you refine, practice, and perfect your pitch with expert feedback
When we started testing our own elevator pitch, we realized it wasn’t just about impressing investors — it was about alignment. Every time we refined it, our team’s messaging got sharper. Our website copy improved. Our sales conversations became smoother. The pitch became the foundation for how we talk about our business everywhere.
That’s why this skill matters far beyond the elevator. It’s the DNA of your brand communication.
Think about the ripple effect:
- Your investors hear your pitch and instantly grasp your market edge.
- Your customers see themselves in your story.
- Your team understands what they’re building and why it matters.
A great elevator pitch isn’t just a speech — it’s a signal of leadership. It shows you can think clearly, communicate strategically, and inspire confidence in others.
One investor put it this way:
“If you can’t explain what you do in 60 seconds, I assume you won’t be able to lead a team or sell to customers either.”
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So yes, it matters — not just because you might meet someone important in an elevator, but because being able to articulate your idea under pressure is one of the most valuable entrepreneurial skills you can develop.
When you can communicate your vision in a way that’s clear, concise, and compelling, you’re not just pitching an idea — you’re proving you’re the kind of founder worth betting on.
The Structure of an Elevator Pitch
A well-structured pitch should cover four key components: the idea, the problem, the solution, and your unique value proposition. Here’s a simple formula to follow:
- Introduction (Your Idea): Start with who you are and what your company does. A powerful opening sets the tone for the rest of your pitch.
- Example: “My name is [Your Name], and I am the founder of [Your Company Name], which is committed to [Briefly State the Company’s Mission or Focus].”
- The Problem: Identify a specific problem that your target audience faces. Highlighting pain points makes your pitch relatable.
- Example: “Many [describe your target audience] struggle with [specific problem]. Despite their efforts, [mention any consequences of the problem].”
- The Solution: Present your solution clearly and directly. Explain how your product or service addresses the problem.
- Example: “To address this issue, we have developed [describe your product/service] that [explain how it works and its benefits].”
- Unique Value Proposition: Share why your solution stands out from the competition. What sets you apart?
- Example: “Unlike other solutions, [describe what makes your solution unique, such as methodology, technology, or community].”
But the structure that you’ll need is here, easy and understandable.
| Mediocre Elevator Pitch Example | Improved Elevator Pitch Example |
|---|---|
| “My company Socialista is developing a revolutionary social utility to help female consumers find deals online faster.” | “My company Socialista is developing an ecommerce website to help female consumers aged 18–25 shop for trendy baby products at wholesale prices, with automated ordering of diapers and other essentials.” |
| What’s wrong with this pitch? | Why this works: |
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This part was taken from the great article about elevator pitching, be sure to check it out https://fi.co/pitch-deck
Example: My company, the Founder Institute, is developing a startup accelerator to help idea-stage and pre-seed entrepreneurs build fundable businesses with a structured methodology and global investor network.
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Example in Action
Here are three standout examples of real companies whose elevator pitches have captured attention, built credibility, and driven brand momentum:
1. Shopify
"Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows anyone to set up an online store and sell their products. Our platform handles everything from payments to marketing to shipping logistics, so entrepreneurs can focus on growing their business. We’ve helped over a million businesses worldwide launch and scale their online stores."
Why Shopify’s Elevator Pitch Works
This pitch works because it’s simple, complete, and customer-focused. In just a few sentences, Shopify clearly defines what it is (an e-commerce platform), what it does (simplifies the entire process of online selling), and why it matters (empowers entrepreneurs to grow).
The social proof — “over a million businesses worldwide” — reinforces credibility and trust. It’s a textbook example of how to combine clarity with authority.
2. Airbnb
"Airbnb lets travellers book unique accommodations around the world, from apartments to castles. By connecting hosts with guests, we create new income opportunities and authentic travel experiences. Our platform is easy to use and trusted by millions every day."
Why Airbnb’s Elevator Pitch Works
Airbnb’s elevator pitch succeeds because it speaks to emotion as much as utility. It highlights the product’s core function (booking unique accommodations), explains the dual value proposition for hosts and travelers, and anchors the brand in authenticity and trust.
The mention of “millions” using the platform adds instant social validation, while the imagery of “apartments to castles” makes the idea memorable and human.
3. Tesla
"Tesla designs and manufactures electric vehicles that are high-performance, environmentally friendly, and packed with cutting-edge technology. We’re accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy with innovations in automotive technology, battery storage, and renewable power generation."
Why Tesla’s Elevator Pitch Works
Tesla’s pitch is a masterclass in mission-driven storytelling. It quickly defines the product (electric vehicles), connects it to higher values (performance and sustainability), and ends with a powerful purpose: “accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy.”
In just a few lines, Tesla positions itself not only as a car manufacturer but as a catalyst for global change, which inspires both customers and investors.
Conclusion
Crafting an effective elevator pitch isn’t just about memorizing words; it’s about conveying your passion and the potential impact of your startup. With a clear structure and a strong understanding of your unique value, you can captivate your audience and open the door to exciting opportunities. Start refining your pitch today, and watch as doors begin to open for your startup!