In a world where startups are competing for attention—and often pitching complex, abstract ideas—cartoons offer a refreshing edge. They’re human, clever, and surprisingly effective at simplifying big ideas. This article explores how tech startups use cartoons in real-world ways to explain, differentiate, and connect.
Read the full guide: Using Cartoons in Tech: How to Simplify, Humanize, and Supercharge Your Content
Why Cartoons Work So Well for Startups
Startups are often trying to:
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Explain new or unfamiliar concepts
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Build a distinctive brand voice
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Stand out in a saturated market
Cartoons are a fast, visual way to achieve all three. Whether it’s a landing page trying to explain blockchain to a layperson, or a pitch deck that needs to grab attention in the first 5 seconds, a well-placed cartoon can do the heavy lifting.
They also work across different touchpoints—from investor presentations to social posts—and are a powerful way to convey confidence, creativity, and clarity in a world of sameness.
How Tech Startups Use Cartoons in Practice
1. Pitch Decks and Investor Materials
Cartoons lighten the mood and make your story stick. Use them to:
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Illustrate the pain point you’re solving
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Add a moment of levity in a slide-heavy pitch
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Visually contrast “before and after” scenarios
For example, a cartoon showing users tangled in complicated software interfaces can set up your product demo perfectly.
2. Landing Pages and Explainer Content
Cartoons help users “get it” faster. Instead of a dense paragraph explaining zero-trust architecture or generative AI, a cartoon can offer an instantly relatable analogy. Many startups place a single cartoon above the fold to boost time on page and reduce bounce.
Some even A/B test their hero image—product screenshot vs. cartoon—and consistently see stronger engagement with the latter.
3. Social Media and Launch Campaigns
Launches can feel like shouting into the void. Cartoons:
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Grab attention mid-scroll
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Signal originality (and confidence)
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Are easily reused across LinkedIn, Twitter, and email
4. Internal Culture and Recruiting
Cartoons can reflect your startup’s vibe. We’ve seen them used in:
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Onboarding packs
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Values slides Slack channels
They humanize fast-paced environments and help signal culture to potential hires.
Tips for Startups New to Cartoon Use
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Keep it simple – One strong cartoon per page is enough.
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Match tone to audience – Funny doesn’t mean flippant.
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Don’t steal – Licensing is safer (and surprisingly affordable). Check out our pricing page
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Use consistently – A recurring visual tone makes you more memorable.
Q&A: Cartoons and Startup Marketing
Q: Will a cartoon make our startup look unprofessional?
A: Not if it’s well chosen. Startups known for their clarity and boldness often use humor to show they understand their audience. Cartoons support that.
Q: What if we want a cartoon about our specific niche?
A: You can license niche cartoons or commission something original. It’s much more accessible than commissioning a full video or explainer animation.
Q: Do cartoons actually help with conversions?
A: Yes—particularly on technical or conceptual landing pages. Cartoons lower bounce rates and help users “stick” to your message.