Storytelling Secrets for Startup Pitches with Ben Wiener

What if the key to winning over investors wasn’t just in your numbers—but in the story you tell?

On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Ben Wiener, author of Fever Pitch, a fictional story crafted to teach startup founders how to captivate investors. Ben shares why so many pitches fail, how storytelling bridges the gap between vision and funding, and why a well-told narrative often matters as much as your deck or financials.

We dive into the storytelling formula behind Fever Pitch, why founders struggle to get their message across, and how investors can use this book to better understand the entrepreneur’s journey. Whether you’re preparing your first pitch or looking to refine your message, this episode will help you turn your startup story into a funding advantage.

⏱ On This Episode

[02:18] – Why most startup founders struggle to get their pitches across effectively

[04:46] – How fiction can teach real-world lessons about storytelling and persuasion

[07:12] – The unique formula Fever Pitch uses to engage readers while teaching founders

[10:05] – Why investors benefit from reading stories like Fever Pitch to understand founder psychology

[13:21] – The common mistakes founders make when presenting their ideas to investors

[16:08] – How storytelling builds trust and emotional resonance in a pitch

[19:33] – Ben’s advice for founders preparing to pitch: how to stand out beyond the slide deck

[23:10] – Kyle and Ben discuss why blending creativity and business is a founder’s superpower

[27:41] – Closing thoughts: why every founder needs to see their pitch as a story