In this episode of Next Round Ready, Jon sits down with Dana Robinson, a seasoned founder and investor, to explore how startups can refine their pitch to not just raise money — but to make an impact. Dana shares hard-earned insights on connecting with investors, aligning your story with your mission, and standing out in today’s competitive funding environment.
Whether you’re a first-time founder or preparing for your next round, this conversation will give you tactical advice on how to craft a pitch for impact that resonates.
Key Takeaways
* Clarity over complexity – How to simplify your pitch so anyone can understand it in 30 seconds.
* Mission-driven storytelling – Why investors care about more than numbers and how your vision can be your edge.
* Common mistakes founders make – The “data dump” vs. the “story gap.”
* Investor psychology – What’s really happening in the mind of a VC when you’re pitching.
* Actionable frameworks – Dana’s proven methods for structuring your deck and conversation.
Timestamps
* 00:00 – Intro: Why “pitch for impact” matters in today’s startup climate
* 04:15 – The power of founder storytelling
* 09:40 – Numbers vs narrative: Striking the balance
* 15:20 – The biggest red flags investors see in pitches
* 22:45 – Dana’s step-by-step framework for structuring a pitch
* 31:10 – Closing thoughts and advice for founders heading into fundraising season
Quotes from Dana Robinson
“A great pitch doesn’t just get you funding — it gets people believing in your mission.”
“Investors invest in people and purpose, not just in projections.”
Resources & Links
* Connect with Dana Robinson:
https://pitch4impact.com/
* Learn more about Next Round Ready: https://HinesightMarketing.com
* Related episode: https://www.hinesightmarketing.com/blog/start-content-marketing-guide
👉 If you’re a founder preparing for your next round, subscribe to Next Round Ready for more expert insights.👉 Share this episode with a fellow founder who’s polishing their pitch.👉 Want help with your fundraising content strategy? Visit Hinesight Marketing!
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