Xpanceo is betting massive on turning us all into cyborgs with good contact lenses, securing a cool $40 million to make our sci-fi goals a actuality. Co-founders Roman Axelrod and Valentyn S. Volkov are on a mission to ditch conventional devices and make everybody’s eyes the brand new screens. Who wants smartphones when you’ll be able to blink to browse? As they push the boundaries of what’s attainable with optoelectronics and new supplies, one can’t assist however marvel if we’re heading towards a future the place dropping your contacts may imply lacking your subsequent Zoom assembly.
We’re on the lookout for extra distinctive pitch decks to tear down, so if you wish to submit your personal, right here’s how you are able to do that.
Slides on this deck
Xpanceo has shared its full presentation deck, consisting of 19 slides, with TechCrunch. Though the slide checklist means that the group has coated the whole lot, a better take a look at the deck’s contents reveals that some areas may not be as complete as they appear.
- Cowl slide
- Problem
- Answer
- Product
- Worth proposition
- B2C: Use instances
- B2B: Industries
- Traction
- Contact lens customers
- Market dimension
- Income forecast
- Competitors
- What’s Xpanceo? interstitial
- Overview
- Applied sciences
- Pioneering R&D in optical evaluation
- Group
- Roadmap
- Closing slide
Three issues to like about Xpanceo’s pitch deck
There’s lots of actually good storytelling taking place right here.
A slice of historical past
[Slide 2] A transparent downside assertion. Picture Credit: Xpanceo
The presentation successfully begins with a transparent downside assertion, setting the stage for a targeted dialogue on the challenges and alternatives within the realm of augmented actuality (AR) and wearable expertise. This rationalization is essential, because it instantly frames the problems that Xpanceo is addressing with its progressive good contact lens challenge. By articulating the issues upfront, the deck ensures that the viewers understands the context and significance of the expertise being developed, which is crucial for garnering assist and enthusiasm for the challenge. I like that.
The inclusion of a timeline detailing the evolution of computing expertise inside the presentation is especially intelligent. This historic perspective not solely educates the viewers concerning the development and milestones in computing but in addition situates Xpanceo’s work inside a bigger narrative of technological development — and lots of of these developments made lots of buyers very rich certainly.
What’s the issue with AR?
Addressing the shortcomings of AR because it stands, the presentation acknowledges that the tech has not but achieved widespread adoption primarily as a result of poor product choices which have didn’t resonate with customers. That is true, and it reveals that Xpanceo is conscious of the hurdles confronted by earlier AR applied sciences and is dedicated to overcoming these challenges.
[Slide 3] Easing into the “resolution” is a superb strategy. Picture Credit: Xpanceo
There’s a giant distinction between a “resolution” and a “product” slide. Xpanceo’s take right here is refreshingly clear on the variations.
The answer slide is strategic in nature, emphasizing a broader, extra adaptable strategy reasonably than focusing solely on the product. This strategic mindset is essential, because it shifts the emphasis from the specifics of the product to the underlying philosophy of problem-solving.
I like that the answer is articulated in a transparent and accessible approach, intentionally avoiding extreme element. This readability is crucial for speaking successfully with stakeholders, together with buyers, potential clients and group members. By retaining the answer simple and simple to know, the group ensures that everybody concerned has a stable grasp of the core idea and aims. This stage of transparency fosters belief and alignment amongst all events, which is necessary for collaborative efforts and the general success of the challenge.
From there, you’ll be able to drop into the small print: the product.
So right here’s what the corporate’s truly as much as
Once more, Xpanceo does an amazing job:
[Slide 4] This slide attracts buyers in. Picture Credit: Xpanceo
The product slide does a wonderful job of presenting the product in a transparent and interesting method, avoiding the frequent pitfall of descending into overly technical language that may alienate or confuse the viewers. This strategy is especially highly effective given the advanced nature of the expertise concerned.
Good contact lenses that combine superior computing capabilities straight into the consumer’s visible area appears like magic. Nonetheless, by sustaining simple and accessible language, the slide ensures that the innovation may be understood and appreciated by a broad viewers, which is essential for producing curiosity and assist amongst potential buyers.
I notably love how this readability helps set the stage for deeper discussions, all with out getting misplaced within the advanced technological language that little question occurs within the lab. It strikes the correct steadiness between simplicity and informativeness.
Three issues that Xpanceo may have improved
This deck is admittedly good. However is it good?
Nope. Let’s dive in.
What are you elevating?
What? Picture Credit: Getty Pictures
The most important downside with the Xpanceo deck isn’t what’s in there, however reasonably what isn’t.
One essential factor lacking from the deck is the “ask” slide, which is crucial when searching for enterprise capital funding. It’s stunning how typically founders overlook this element of their pitch decks. When elevating cash, it’s not the time to be reticent or oblique. Clearly stating what’s being requested for — be it staffing, assets or partnerships — demonstrates to potential buyers a well-thought-out plan and a critical dedication to the startup’s future. This helps buyers rapidly perceive the wants and assess whether or not they align with their funding standards.
Together with a particular ask within the presentation additionally conveys that there’s a reasonable understanding of what the startup requires to succeed. It reveals that cautious consideration has been given to how a lot funding is required, what will probably be used for, and the way it will assist the corporate obtain its targets. This stage of element and transparency provides credibility to the pitch and instills confidence in potential buyers concerning the administration and planning capabilities. It positions the entrepreneurs as critical people who are usually not merely experimenting however are dedicated to constructing a sustainable enterprise.
B2B or B2C: You’ll be able to’t have each
Slides 6 and seven make a case for each a B2B and a B2C mannequin. That’s not an amazing name.
[Slide 6] A use-case brainstorm is intelligent, nevertheless it’s necessary to provide you with the actual use instances that drive the funding determination. Picture Credit: Xpanceo
B2B and B2C enterprise fashions are essentially totally different beasts. Only a few firms are capable of do effectively with one technique, by no means thoughts each.
B2C gross sales are distinguished by direct interactions with particular person customers, specializing in emotional engagement, model identification, and creating personalised buyer experiences. This mannequin thrives on quick gross sales cycles and quick buy choices, making it essential for firms to spend money on understanding client behaviors and crafting advertising and marketing methods that resonate on a private stage. Even when firms sometimes buy underneath a B2C mannequin, they need to be handled as customers within the gross sales course of to keep up simplicity and effectivity in advertising and marketing efforts.
Conversely, B2B gross sales contain extra advanced transactions with different companies, characterised by longer gross sales cycles, greater transaction values, and a deal with sensible advantages and cost-effectiveness. This mannequin requires robust, credible relationships and sometimes entails personalized options to satisfy particular enterprise wants. Whereas it’s much less frequent, customers could generally interact with merchandise designed for enterprise use, highlighting the pliability required in gross sales methods. In the end, specializing in a B2B or B2C gross sales group ought to align with the startup’s core capabilities and strategic targets, shaping the narrative of their startup pitch to draw potential buyers.
Attempting to do each gained’t work, so choose one, and clarify why that’s the correct alternative.
The market sizing fallacy
[Slide 9] Positive, there are lots of contact lens customers. However are they actually a proxy for Xpanceo clients? Picture Credit: Xpanceo
When assessing the potential market dimension for Xpanceo’s contact lenses, it’s essential to distinguish the character of the product from conventional contact lenses. Or, put in another way: Is the marketplace for Xpanceo’s product people who find themselves already carrying contacts? The corporate appears to assume that everybody who wears contacts desires good contacts. However that’s most likely not correct.
Xpanceo’s choices are usually not merely an alternative choice to spectacles for optical correction however reasonably operate as a wearable gadget. This distinction is important as a result of the goal marketplace for Xpanceo could not align straight with the present base of contact lens customers. As a substitute of evaluating the whole variety of contact lens wearers, a extra related metric may be the utilization of associated expertise corresponding to smartphones or smartwatches, which displays a tech-savvy client base extra prone to undertake new wearable applied sciences. This strategy may also help in figuring out not only a broad viewers, but in addition one that’s extra prone to embrace progressive merchandise.
Xpanceo’s go-to-market technique performs a pivotal position in figuring out its main client phase. If the product is designed for mass market consumption, the technique ought to deal with figuring out and interesting an early adopter group. This group sometimes consists of tech lovers who’re eager on exploring and adopting cutting-edge applied sciences. These early adopters may present the preliminary traction wanted to penetrate the market, performing as influencers and validators for the broader client base. Their suggestions can be invaluable with regards to refining the product and enhancing its attraction to subsequent consumers.
I believe the corporate is making an attempt to point out that its market is big, however I doubt that contact lens wearers are a proxy. I put on contacts, however solely after I’m doing contact sports activities (martial arts or scuba diving). However even when I had by no means worn contacts a day of my life, I’d be wanting to attempt the Xpanceo resolution.
I believe the corporate is making an attempt to check oranges to Apple computer systems.
The complete pitch deck
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