Vicky
A compelling pitch deck can make or break your fundraising efforts — but before you hire a designer, it’s crucial to understand the true pitch deck cost. Prices vary depending on design quality, slide count, storytelling needs, and whether you’re hiring a freelancer or an agency.
This guide breaks down typical pitch deck design rates and helps you budget confidently so you can choose the right design partner for your startup.
What Affects Pitch Deck Cost? Key Pricing Factors
The cost of a pitch deck varies widely, so understanding the biggest pricing drivers will help you avoid unexpected fees and choose the right designer.
Several key factors come into play when determining the overall cost of your pitch deck:
- Complexity & Content: A simple pitch deck with basic visuals and a straightforward narrative will naturally cost less than a complex deck with in-depth data visualisations, animations, and a compelling story arc.
More complex decks require advanced storytelling, better hierarchy, and stronger visuals — all of which increase the overall pitch deck cost. - Design Expertise: The experience and skillset of your chosen designer significantly impact the cost. Seasoned designers with a proven track record of crafting successful pitch decks command higher rates.
- Number of Slides: Pitch deck length can affect cost. While some investors prefer concise decks (10-15 slides), others might request more details (20+ slides).
Most designers price decks in tiers (10, 15, 20+ slides), so your slide count directly influences the quote. - Content Creation: Does your pitch deck require additional content creation like writing compelling copy, crafting a captivating narrative, or developing financial projections? Factor in these costs.
For help writing your pitch content, see our presentation designer job description guide. - Revisions & Feedback: The number of revisions and rounds of feedback you anticipate can influence the overall cost. Be upfront with your designer about your revision expectations.
- Freelance vs. Agency: Freelance designers might offer lower base rates compared to established design agencies. Agencies often handle project management and offer additional services, potentially at a higher cost.
Agencies often deliver faster and include project management, but you’ll pay a premium compared to freelance pitch deck designer rates.
Compare what freelancers charge with our presentation designer hourly rates.
Pitch Deck Pricing Breakdown: How Designers Charge
Designers typically use one of three billing structures, and each affects your final pitch deck cost differently.
Here’s a breakdown of the various pricing models commonly used by design agencies and freelance pitch deck designers:
- Hourly Rate: This is a common model where designers or agencies charge a set rate per hour for their time. The total cost depends on the project’s complexity and the estimated number of hours required.
- Project-Based Pricing: This offers a predetermined price for the entire project based on a well-defined scope of work. This is ideal for projects with a clear vision and desired number of slides.
- Package Deals: Some designers or agencies offer pre-designed packages with a set number of slides, revisions, and specific design features at a fixed price.
Typical Pitch Deck Cost Breakdown by Pricing Model
Pricing Model | What It Includes | When It’s Best |
|---|---|---|
Hourly Rate | Pay for time spent, flexible scope | When the deck is evolving or needs heavy iteration |
Project-Based | Fixed price for a defined scope and slide count | When you know exactly what you need |
Package Deals | Pre-defined slide count, revisions, and design style | For predictable budgets and faster delivery |
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Stock Photos & Assets: Licensing fees for stock photos, illustrations, or other design assets used in your pitch deck might be separate from the designer’s fees.
- Prototyping Tools: If your pitch deck involves interactive elements or prototypes, there might be additional costs for prototyping tools or software.
Pitch Deck Cost Estimates: How Much Does a Pitch Deck Cost?
Typical Pitch Deck Cost Ranges:
Pitch Deck Tier | Estimated Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
Basic Pitch Deck | $1,000–$3,000 | Clean layout, limited visuals, 10–15 slides |
Standard Pitch Deck | $3,000–$7,000 | Strong design, custom graphics, data visualisation |
Premium Pitch Deck | $7,000+ | Fully bespoke design, advanced visuals, copywriting, storytelling |
Remember: These are just ballpark figures. The actual cost of your pitch deck can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above.
Premium decks can exceed $15,000+ when they include messaging strategy, financial modelling, or multiple investor variations.
Tips for Getting the Best Value for Your Pitch Deck Investment
These steps will help you get the best ROI on your pitch deck design cost.
- Define Your Needs Clearly: Having a clear vision for your pitch deck’s content, complexity, and desired design style helps you communicate effectively with designers and receive accurate quotes.
- Request Proposals: Approach several pitch deck designers or agencies and request project proposals outlining their scope of work, estimated timelines, and pricing structures.
- Compare Options: Don’t be afraid to compare quotes from different providers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your budget and project needs.
- Consider Alternatives: Explore options like pre-designed pitch deck templates or collaborating with design students on smaller projects if you have a tighter budget.
- Ask for a design sample: Many designers will create 1–2 sample slides to demonstrate style before committing to the full deck.
If you’re unsure how to structure your deck, review our pitch deck examples.
Final Thoughts
Understanding typical pitch deck costs, and the factors that influence pricing, helps you choose the right partner with confidence. Whether you need a simple investor deck or a fully customised storytelling experience, the right designer will balance creativity, clarity, and business strategy.
Invest wisely in your pitch deck, and it becomes the persuasive tool that unlocks funding, partnerships, or your next big opportunity.
Related Reads:
If you need some extra help, we’ve got a few other articles we’ve written on this topic:
Raksha
