First-Time Founders
Designed for people preparing to launch their first venture. It is especially useful for learners who need a structured, practical route into pitch decks rather than a purely theoretical overview.
ESH-13705 · Fundraising
Pitch Decks Applied Lab for First-Time Founders — Fundraising
A 18-hour intermediate course for people preparing to launch their first venture who want to produce a complete applied project in pitch decks. The course combines the fundraising context with practical frameworks, realistic cases, guided exercises and a final applied output. Participants finish with a structured approach they can adapt to a real venture, team or project.
Blended online18 hoursIntermediateFirst-Time FoundersBuild pathway
What you need
A business idea is useful but not required.
European Startup Hub Certificate of Completion — Pitch Decks Applied Lab
A staged portfolio of applied outputs culminating in a final project.
Learning outcomes
What you will be able to do.
Outcome 1
Explain the core principles of pitch decks in the context of fundraising.
Outcome 2
Diagnose a realistic pitch decks challenge using structured startup tools.
Outcome 3
Build a practical pitch decks output appropriate for first-time founders.
Outcome 4
Evaluate evidence, assumptions and trade-offs before making pitch decks decisions.
Outcome 5
Apply pitch decks methods to a venture, project or organisational scenario.
Outcome 6
Create a next-step action plan that can be used after the course.
Full syllabus
12 course modules.
Each module combines explanation, examples and an applied activity.
Module 1
Foundations of Pitch Decks
Practical study of foundations of pitch decks with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 2
The Fundraising context
Practical study of the fundraising context with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 3
Customers, users and stakeholder needs
Practical study of customers, users and stakeholder needs with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 4
Tools and frameworks for Pitch Decks
Practical study of tools and frameworks for pitch decks with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 5
Evidence, data and assumptions
Practical study of evidence, data and assumptions with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 6
Designing the approach
Practical study of designing the approach with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 7
Execution and operating decisions
Practical study of execution and operating decisions with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 8
Measurement and key indicators
Practical study of measurement and key indicators with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 9
Risks, ethics and common failure modes
Practical study of risks, ethics and common failure modes with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 10
Case study: Pitch Decks in practice
Practical study of case study: pitch decks in practice with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 11
Applied workshop: build your Pitch Decks output
Practical study of applied workshop: build your pitch decks output with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 12
Action plan and next milestones
Practical study of action plan and next milestones with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Assessment
A staged portfolio of applied outputs culminating in a final project.
Included materials
Digital course notes · Practical worksheets · Case exercises · Action-plan template · Completion record in ESH ID
Learning support
Platform learning support; live facilitator interaction is included where the delivery format states Live online or Blended online.
Course information & disclaimer
Educational programme. Completion does not constitute professional, legal, financial or investment advice and does not guarantee funding, employment or business outcomes. Catalogue version 2026.1 · Last reviewed 2026-08-24.
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Pitch Decks Applied Lab for First-Time Founders — Fundraising · 18 hours · Blended online
Enrol for €510