Startup Pitch Analysis: Lessons from a TechCrunch Battlefield Finalist and Pitching Researcher

This Build Mode episode brings together pitching researcher Dr. Ike Ghart and biotech founder Dmitri Maxim to analyze Maxim's second-place pitch from TechCrunch Startup Battlefield. They discuss what worked, what could be improved, and what research reveals about investor responses to pitches.

■ Guest backgrounds and pitch analysis
- Ike Ghart's PhD research on startup pitching and experience as a VC and founder
- Dmitri Maxim's biotech company Nephrogen and his Battlefield pitch
- Evaluation of Maxim's pitch strengths and areas for improvement, including slide redesign impact

■ Research insights and practical advice
- Studies on gender bias in Q&A, language simplicity versus credibility, and body language
- Tips for Q&A preparation, tailoring to audience, signaling credibility, and using AI tools
- Advice for deep tech and biotech founders on pitching

This episode is aimed at founders, particularly in deep tech and biotech, seeking to improve their pitching and Q&A skills. It provides research-based insights and practical advice for delivering effective startup pitches.