Round 1 Video Creation

In Round 1, please keep in mind that the purpose of your video pitch is to get your mentors acquainted with your startup idea and to make you more comfortable talking about the basics: the problem you wish to solve, the solution your startup offers, your target market, and your team’s expertise. We think the pitches below do a wonderful job of exactly that.

Your video does not need to be produced or edited, but if you would like to edit your video and need free tools to do so, please review the list at the bottom of this page.

We recommend uploading your video to YouTube or OneDrive and sharing the link on your LivePlan template.

Pitch Examples

DoorDash’s Application Video for YC S13

A powerful and short video showcasing everything necessary, identifying the problem and the solution to the problem identified, showcasing the power of crisp and clear speeches, even without a deck.

Twoodo Pitch

An exemplary pitch demonstrating clarity and engagement, serving as a model for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Koala (Einstein Studios)

A pitch that combines a clear and provoking explanation of the problem and solution, as well as a direct connection with the audience.

Slide Deck Guidance

What the Best Pitch Decks Have in Common with Mike Vernal (Sequoia Capital)

Mike Vernal of Sequoia talks about his perfect version of a startup pitch, anchored towards investors.

Airbnb Original Pitch Deck (Slides) 

This famously landed Airbnb $600k and there was no looking back post this. It is very 2000s coded, but there are tons of redesigns of this pitch floating around online, which are more modern and can be referenced for the same.

Free Video Editing Tools for Beginners

  1. Adobe Premiere Rush: A simplified version of Adobe Premiere, offering an intuitive interface ideal for beginners. It provides basic editing features and allows for quick video creation.
  2. Clipchamp: A free online tool that runs in your browser, eliminating the need for a powerful computer. It offers a user-friendly interface with essential editing features, making it suitable for lightweight projects.
  3. iMovie: A free video editing application developed by Apple for macOS and iOS devices. It includes a range of video effects and tools like color correction and image stabilization, designed to be accessible to users with little or no video editing experience.
  4. OpenShot: A free and open-source video editor available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. It offers a simple interface with features like clip resizing, scaling, trimming, and cutting, suitable for beginners.