Learn how to Raise Millions with the Perfect Pitch Deck | Garret Dailey & Brian Schuster - E51

In this episode of Funds and Founders, we sit down with Garrett and Brian from Lucid, a consulting firm specializing in pitch decks and brand clarity. Garrett and Brian share how they combined their complementary skill sets—spanning design, operations, and growth—to help founders overcome the challenge of communicating complex ideas simply.

Learn how they:

• Refined their own co-founder “dating” process before teaming up
• Developed a framework for uncovering a company’s true mission, vision, and values
• Help founders craft investor-ready pitch decks—even for highly technical products
• Distinguish “brand” from “culture” and why both matter for scaling
• Approach growth strategy differently for B2B vs. B2C startups

Whether you’re an early-stage founder seeking investment or a seasoned entrepreneur refining your pitch, Garrett and Brian’s insights on clarity, branding, and storytelling are not to be missed!

Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction and overview of Lucid 2:05 – How Garrett & Brian met and became co-founders 7:00 – Defining “clarity” and why founders struggle with it 12:40 – Business philosophy: getting to the “why” behind your startup 16:35 – Why technical founders need help explaining complex ideas 21:05 – When to invest in brand clarity vs. staying lean 26:10 – B2B vs. B2C: differences in messaging and traction 30:40 – Examples of effective (and ineffective) mission statements 35:50 – Branding vs. culture: how they intersect and why both matter 40:35 – The “spark moment” behind launching a startup 45:10 – Avoiding “cargo cult” thinking and learning real lessons 50:05 – Pivoting and the emotional toll of entrepreneurship 55:00 – What VCs really look for in a pitch deck 1:00:05 – Essential resources: Sequoia format, Venture Deals, and more 1:05:00 – Growth strategies: Revenue Architecture and the brand canvas 1:10:25 – The personal “why” and mental health in entrepreneurship 1:15:30 – Early-stage brand vs. Series A brand requirements 1:20:15 – Staying focused on real revenue-driving activities 1:25:05 – Wealth building, skill development, and time freedom 1:30:10 – Support systems: the Austin startup community 1:35:00 – “What would make you quit?” Parachute question from the previous guest

1:38:00 – Wrap-up and where to find Lucid Consulting

#entrepreneur #company #venturecapital #investors #business #pitchdeck #brand #investment