How to Handle Your Next Big Pitch: Fundraise, Close Deals, Get Buy-In

Mary Lemmer

Former VC | Helped startups raise $50M+

Deliver a clear, compelling pitch, without rambling, or losing the room

You can have a great idea, product, or strategy—and still lose the room.

I’ve seen this from both sides.

As a former venture capitalist, I’ve heard thousands of pitches. As an operator and advisor, I’ve helped startups raise over $50M and been part of teams that have collectively raised over $3B.

The difference between a "no", a “maybe” that eventually gets you ghosted, and a “yes” is rarely the idea itself—it’s the clarity, delivery, and adaptability of the pitch.

This workshop exists to close that gap.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn practical and proven improv-inspired techniques to sharpen your message and deliver your pitch with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re pitching investors, clients, leadership, or an idea, you’ll walk away with tools you can use immediately.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Get to the core of your message (and cut what doesn’t matter)

  • Structure a pitch that’s clear, concise, and engaging

  • Turn nerves into energy and confidence

This isn’t just theory—you’ll actively practice, refine your pitch, and get real-time feedback during the session.

With active engagement, by the end of the session, you’ll have a better pitch and confidence walking into your next pitch.

Workshop agenda

  • 12:00PM EDT

    Welcome + Introduction

    Reframing pitching as a real-time skill, not a script


  • 12:10PM EDT

    The Foundations of a Great Pitch

    Learn the foundations of a great pitch: focus on what matters, tailor your message to your audience, and avoid common pitfalls like rambling, over-explaining, and lack of structure.


  • 12:30PM EDT

    Core Techniques & Live Pitch Practice

    Improve your pitch using proven techniques to clarify your message, improve delivery, and build confidence, practicing live, receiving real-time feedback, and iterating to make your pitch stronger.


  • 1:25PM EDT

    Key Takeaways + Wrap

    Summarize key takeaways and conclude.


  • 1:30PM EDT

    Live Q&A

    Ask your specific pitch challenges and get even more personalized guidance and support.

Learn directly from Mary

Mary Lemmer

Mary Lemmer

Helped startups raise $50M+ Former VC turned storytelling & business strategist

Involved with investing in over 2 dozen startups, including one "unicorn"
SoFi
R
MassChallenge
University of Michigan
Techstars
See all products from Mary

Who this workshop is for

  • Founders actively fundraising or preparing to raise. Your product is strong, but your pitch feels too long, complex, or isn’t landing.

  • Sales professionals pitching products or services. You know your offering, but struggle to communicate it clearly and close the deal.

  • Leaders presenting ideas or asking for resources. You need buy-in, but find yourself over-explaining, rambling, or losing the room.

What's included

Mary Lemmer

Live sessions

Learn directly from Mary Lemmer in a real-time, interactive format.

Real-time pitch practice and feedback

With active engagement, by the end of the session, you’ll have a better pitch and confidence walking into your next pitch.

30 minute live Q&A

Get your questions answered & received additional personalized pitch support

Community of peers

Stay accountable and share insights with like-minded professionals.

Certificate of completion

Share your new skills with your employer or on LinkedIn.

Maven Guarantee

Your purchase is backed by the Maven Guarantee.

Frequently asked questions