How to build a SF investor presentation

Around 80% of the content in a PPM tends to look the same for all searchers raising capital. As we mentioned a few months ago, it’s the interview that ultimately determines whether an investor believes in you and decides to support your search.

However, to secure that interview, especially if you’re reaching out without a personal introduction, you’ll need a strong SF investor presentation. The goal is to capture their attention and make them want to meet you. Your presentation should therefore inspire confidence, credibility, and connection, not just provide information about your background.

First impressions count, so these 8–10 slides should go far beyond presenting your résumé or career highlights. They should demonstrate your mindset, motivations, approach, commitment to the model, and ability to lead and grow a company.

Don’t forget to speak with other searchers to get their insights.

Below you’ll find a suggested outline for a SF investor presentation to inspire you (you’ll need to adapt it to your own storytelling):

1/ Opening slide: capture attention

• Name of your SF (logo, professional photo and your name)
• Your personal “why”: what drives you to pursue this path
• A concise statement of your mission
• A few key words related to your vision: continuity between generations, responsible ownership, long-term value creation…

2/ Who you are: build credibility & trust

• Brief professional background (education, key experiences, leadership moments)
• Relevant sector expertise or international experience
• Core values: why you’re a good steward for an SME (grit, resilience, partnership…)
• Key words: Deal Maker + Operator.

3/ The opportunity: Why now?

• Frame both the macro and micro opportunity
• Market context (succession challenges, aging founders, SME consolidation)
• Your geographical focus
• Why it’s a unique window of opportunity, and why you are the right candidate

4/ Your investment thesis: narrow focus inspires confidence

• Target sectors and rationale (stable, B2B services, fragmented, profitable…)
• Target company profile (size, EBITDA, margins, recurring revenue…)
• Exclusion list (what types of companies or sectors you won’t pursue—and why)
• Value creation strategy and key growth levers: operational excellence, internationalization, digitalization…

5/ The model: stick to it (don’t try to reinvent it)

• Search phase: duration, budget, milestones, reporting
• Acquisition phase: equity structure (leverage, investor rights, governance)
• Key investor rights (vetoes, liquidity, oversight) and alignment of incentives (salary, carry, performance)
• Exit strategy and expected returns (IIR & MOIC benchmarks)
• Optionally, include one slide with a successful case study

6/ The edge: why you will succeed

Differentiate yourself and your fund. Highlight your competitive advantages:

• How you will conduct your search
• Unique access to proprietary deal flow (networks, advisors…)
• Operational experience in running and scaling companies (hands-on leadership, internationalization…)
• How you’ll leverage AI to enhance your search process
• Alignment with your investors

7/ The ask: what you’re offering to investors

Make the investment proposal clear:

• Search capital structure (ticket size, number of investors, governance)
• Desired cap table (private investors, F-O, funds – national & international…)
• Expected returns and timeline (long-term partnership focus?)

8/ Closing: reaffirm the human element

End with purpose and connection:

• Reiterate your vision: continuity, stewardship, and long-term value creation
• Emphasize your personal motivation and sense of responsibility.
• Thank investors for considering not just a financial opportunity, but a legacy one
• Contact information