In short
A roadmap slide shows three to five milestones on a timeline, marks which are already done, and links the future milestones to the funding you are raising. Use quarters or months, state outcomes such as ‘launch in two new cities’ rather than tasks, and keep it achievable.
A roadmap shows investors that you have a plan and that their money will produce measurable progress. Past milestones you have hit also prove you can deliver.
What to include
- Milestones already achieved, ticked off.
- Two or three upcoming milestones, with dates.
- Outcomes, not internal tasks.
- Which milestones this funding round pays for.
Common mistakes
- Too many milestones in too little time.
- Vague items like ‘scale’ or ‘grow the team’.
- A roadmap that does not match the use of funds on the ask slide.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should a pitch deck roadmap go?
Usually 12 to 24 months, which matches the runway of most rounds. Further ahead, keep it to broad themes.
Written by Gachi Foundation, a non-profit in Jharkhand, India. All pitch deck resources.