Funding Breakthrough Lab: The Psychology of the Pitch — How to Use Behavioral Science to Win Investors
Raising capital isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about knowing how to communicate it in a way that resonates with investors.
Too often, founders with huge potential get overlooked not because their startup isn’t worthy, but because their pitch doesn’t land. This session will give you a psychological edge. You'll learn how to speak to what investors really care about—and how to decide whether venture capital is even the right path for your vision.
You’ll also get an inside look at Funding Breakthrough Lab (FBL), a nonprofit pre-accelerator that equips underestimated founders with the mindset, tools, and network to grow confidently and fundraise on their own terms.
👥 Who Should Attend:
Early-stage startup founders preparing to raise pre-seed to Series A
Fundraisers looking to sharpen their storytelling and pitch presence
Founders who want a strategic edge by understanding how investors think
Anyone curious about applying behavioral science to communication, branding, or persuasion
If you're curious about Funding Breakthrough Lab and the quality of our speakers
🗓 Agenda
🕐 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: The Behavioral Science of Pitching
Speaker: Damien Foord - a16z advisor, investor, Brand Strategist of Prismonde
📚 Topics Covered:
How behavioral science principles—from Pavlov, Skinner, and BJ Fogg—apply to pitching and fundraising
Why VC decision-making is driven by emotion, identity, and perception—not just logic and data
How to design a pitch that triggers motivation, creates urgency, and aligns with an investor’s identity
✅ Key Takeaways:
Frame yourself as the opportunity: Investors fund alignment, not just potential
Use psychology to gain an edge: Master emotional triggers and urgency
Communicate with intent: Speak the investor’s language by understanding what drives them
🕜 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Live Q&A with Damien Foord
An open session to ask Damien anything—from pitch psychology to practical feedback on how to show up with confidence, clarity, and presence in the room.
🕐 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Funding Breakthrough Lab Pre-Accelerator
📚 Topics Covered:
Benefits of joining our pre-accelerator
Why you should apply
Where to apply
✅ Key Takeaways:
Special offer for attendees
Whether FBL is right for you
Who should attend
Brought to you by:
Funding Breakthrough Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pre-accelerator with a mission of creating a supportive community to build a better tomorrow. We empower founders with education, networks, and resources to unlock their potential while championing diversity, inclusion, and authenticity. Founded by Natalie Pan, an engineer, community builder and executive coach. Apply for the next August 23rd cohort here https://fundingbreakthroughlab.org.