Putting your valuation into a pitch deck is a ‘fatal mistake’, as investors will immediately judge you according to whether they think your valuation is too high, too low, or not a match to your stage. You’re simply telling the investor too much, too soon. It’s like revealing too much on a first date. Keep some mystery.

Even if investors do expect it, don’t fall for it. To boost conversions, focus on making investors fall in love with your business first; do the numbers talk later. If your stated valuation sounds ridiculous, you screw yourself. If VCs get blown away by your ideas, they might smoothen the deal with a slightly high valuation, and you might do well. Leaving it out of your pitch deck in the first place is a good start. You can always discuss it in the follow-up talks.