Pitching tips from Academii and Pitch & Co

Whether you’re pitching for new business, seeking investment, or presenting to clients, delivering a strong and persuasive pitch or presentation is crucial in the creative industries.

Academii, an immersive EdTech provider, understands this. They use the latest technologies, including AR, VR, and GenAI, and collaborate with experts to create impactful learning experiences for those who need it the most. That’s why they’ve partnered with Pitch & Co, an organisation focused on perfecting the art of pitching. 

Together, they created Pitch for Perfection, a programme designed to empower creatives with tools to master their pitches and presentations.

Supported by our Creative Skills Fund, the programme helps freelancers and employees across the Welsh creative industries – from music to production – refine their pitching skills.

Over two months, participants access three online modules in Welsh or English and learn how to develop their pitching techniques. They’ll also connect with Pitch & Co consultants and the wider creative community for guidance and support.

Siwan hopes this project addresses some of the challenges facing creatives in the industry today, including competition and lack of confidence. Siwan says, ‘I think competition is probably one of the biggest barriers. If we can equip people with the right skills, thinking, approach, and self-belief, it would give someone the confidence to achieve greater opportunities in a competitive environment.’

‘This programme is about reaching out to the creative community to say, let us be a part of your journey to perfection and give you the skills you need to be the best version of yourselves.’

Keep reading for their expert pitching tips to take your presentations to the next level.

One of the best ways to stand out is to tell a compelling story. Good storytelling engages your audience and builds an emotional connection, and a strong narrative can make your pitch more memorable.  

Siwan says, ‘If you can tell a really good story and hold an informative conversation with somebody while building a relationship, you’re halfway there.’

Understanding your audience is key. Every client, investor or colleague has unique interests and priorities, so customise your pitch to align with their values and needs. Research your audience and highlight how your project or skills match their goals and help solve their problems.

Tom says, ‘The most common mistakes are around clarity – not taking the time to consider what your pitch is for and the needs of the audience you are pitching to. Understanding ‘Why this? Why now? Why you?’ is imperative in making sure your pitch is clear and succinct, and therefore convincing.’

Confidence doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but it can be built through practice. Rehearse until you know your pitch inside and out. Familiarity will help reduce nerves and improve your presentation delivery.

‘it's important that you come across as confident and convincing when discussing your idea and what it can do to improve the lives of the people you are pitching to,’ says Tom.

‘Most people worry about being nervous. It’s okay to be nervous – it shows you care – but it's unforgivable not to believe in what you are pitching. If your idea isn't good enough for you then it's not good enough for anyone else.’

Feedback from mentors, peers or professionals can help you refine your pitch and message. The Pitch for Perfection programme highlights the value of collaboration – it’s all about leaning on your network to help you improve.   

If you’re pitching for the first time, Tom says preparation, practice and personality are key. ‘You need to understand what you're pitching, you need to believe in what you're pitching – and you really should try to enjoy it!’

2025 is just the start for this innovative programme from Academii and Pitch & Co. ‘Academii is an AI tech startup, so without the funding from Creative Wales, this project would never have happened,’ says Siwan.

‘I hope there’s an opportunity for this project to be adopted and embedded into universities inside the creative industry, so that we can talk about the importance of pitching far earlier.

‘If we give young people a solid foundation in pitching, they can keep building upon it throughout their careers. That’s our future vision for this programme.’

Visit Academii and Pitch & Co to learn more and start perfecting your pitch today. Or explore more of the projects supported by our Creative Skills Fund here.