Xpanceo is betting massive on turning us all into cyborgs with sensible 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 doable with optoelectronics and new supplies, one can’t assist however surprise if we’re heading towards a future the place dropping your contacts might 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 individual, 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 workforce has coated every thing, a more in-depth take a look at the deck’s contents reveals that some areas won’t be as complete as they appear.

1. Cowl slide
2. Problem
3. Resolution
4. Product
5. Worth proposition
6. B2C: Use instances
7. B2B: Industries
8. Traction
9. Contact lens customers
10.  Market measurement
11.  Income forecast
12.  Competitors
13.  What’s Xpanceo? interstitial 
14.  Overview
15.  Applied sciences
16.  Pioneering R&D in optical evaluation
17.  Crew
18.  Roadmap
19.  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 centered dialogue on the challenges and alternatives within the realm of augmented actuality (AR) and wearable know-how. This clarification is essential, because it instantly frames the problems that Xpanceo is addressing with its revolutionary sensible contact lens undertaking. By articulating the issues upfront, the deck ensures that the viewers understands the context and significance of the know-how being developed, which is crucial for garnering help and enthusiasm for the undertaking. I really like that.

The inclusion of a timeline detailing the evolution of computing know-how throughout the presentation is especially intelligent. This historic perspective not solely educates the viewers in regards to 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 traders 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 on account of poor product choices which have did not resonate with customers. That is true, and it exhibits 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 method. 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 method somewhat 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 really like that the answer is articulated in a transparent and accessible means, intentionally avoiding extreme element. This readability is crucial for speaking successfully with stakeholders, together with traders, potential clients and workforce members. By conserving the answer easy and simple to know, the workforce ensures that everybody concerned has a stable grasp of the core idea and targets. This stage of transparency fosters belief and alignment amongst all events, which is necessary for collaborative efforts and the general success of the undertaking.

From there, you’ll be able to drop into the main points: the product.

So right here’s what the corporate’s truly as much as

Once more, Xpanceo does an incredible job:

[Slide 4] This slide attracts traders in. Picture Credit: Xpanceo

The product slide does a superb 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 method is especially highly effective given the complicated nature of the know-how concerned.

Sensible contact lenses that combine superior computing capabilities straight into the consumer’s visible subject seems like magic. Nonetheless, by sustaining easy and accessible language, the slide ensures that the innovation might be understood and appreciated by a broad viewers, which is essential for producing curiosity and help amongst potential traders.

I notably love how this readability helps set the stage for deeper discussions, all with out getting misplaced within the complicated technological language that little doubt occurs within the lab. It strikes the fitting stability between simplicity and informativeness.

Three issues that Xpanceo might have improved

This deck is actually good. However is it good?

Nope. Let’s dive in.

What are you elevating?

What? Picture Credit: Getty Photographs

The largest downside with the Xpanceo deck isn’t what’s in there, however somewhat what isn’t.

One essential ingredient lacking from the deck is the “ask” slide, which is crucial when looking for enterprise capital funding. It’s shocking 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, sources or partnerships — demonstrates to potential traders a well-thought-out plan and a severe dedication to the startup’s future. This helps traders rapidly perceive the wants and assess whether or not they align with their funding standards.

Together with a selected ask within the presentation additionally conveys that there’s a sensible understanding of what the startup requires to succeed. It exhibits that cautious consideration has been given to how a lot funding is required, what it will likely 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 traders in regards to the administration and planning capabilities. It positions the entrepreneurs as severe people who are usually not merely experimenting however are dedicated to constructing a sustainable enterprise.

B2B or B2C: You may’t have each

Slides 6 and seven make a case for each a B2B and a B2C mannequin. That’s not an incredible name.

[Slide 6] A use-case brainstorm is intelligent, but it surely’s necessary to give you the actual use instances that drive the funding determination. Picture Credit: Xpanceo

B2B and B2C enterprise fashions are basically completely different beasts. Only a few firms are capable of do nicely 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 id, and creating customized buyer experiences. This mannequin thrives on brief gross sales cycles and rapid buy choices, making it essential for firms to spend money on understanding shopper behaviors and crafting advertising and marketing methods that resonate on a private stage. Even when firms sometimes buy below 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 complicated transactions with different companies, characterised by longer gross sales cycles, increased transaction values, and a give attention to sensible advantages and cost-effectiveness. This mannequin requires robust, credible relationships and infrequently entails custom-made options to fulfill particular enterprise wants. Whereas it’s much less frequent, customers might typically have interaction with merchandise designed for enterprise use, highlighting the flexibleness 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 traders.

Making an attempt to do each gained’t work, so choose one, and clarify why that’s the fitting selection.

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 measurement for Xpanceo’s contact lenses, it’s essential to distinguish the character of the product from conventional contact lenses. Or, put in a different 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 sensible contacts. However that’s most likely not correct.

Xpanceo’s choices are usually not merely an alternative choice to spectacles for optical correction however somewhat perform as a wearable machine. This distinction is critical as a result of the goal marketplace for Xpanceo might not align straight with the prevailing base of contact lens customers. As a substitute of evaluating the full variety of contact lens wearers, a extra related metric is likely to be the utilization of associated know-how comparable to smartphones or smartwatches, which displays a tech-savvy shopper base extra more likely to undertake new wearable applied sciences. This method can assist in figuring out not only a broad viewers, but in addition one that’s extra more likely to embrace revolutionary merchandise.

Xpanceo’s go-to-market technique performs a pivotal position in figuring out its major shopper phase. If the product is designed for mass market consumption, the technique ought to give attention to figuring out and interesting an early adopter group. This group sometimes consists of tech fanatics who’re eager on exploring and adopting cutting-edge applied sciences. These early adopters might present the preliminary traction wanted to penetrate the market, performing as influencers and validators for the broader shopper base. Their suggestions can also be invaluable in terms of refining the product and enhancing its enchantment to subsequent patrons.

I believe the corporate is attempting to indicate that its market is large, however I doubt that contact lens wearers are a proxy. I put on contacts, however solely once 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 desirous to attempt the Xpanceo resolution.

I believe the corporate is attempting to check oranges to Apple computer systems.

The total pitch deck

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