Meet Borja Zamora | Storyteller & Pitch Deck Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Borja Zamora and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Borja, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started my career, I actually went to law school and worked in IT law, advising software companies and startups. These weren’t your stereotypical corporate clients—they were entrepreneurs building incredible products, running lean teams, and always chasing bold ideas. I quickly fell in love with their energy, ambition, and way of thinking.

That experience inspired me to move to the Bay Area, study at Berkeley, and completely shift my career toward something more creative and strategic. Over the years, I worked in startups across strategy, marketing, and design, building a skill set that felt very cross-functional.

In 2020, I saw a clear gap in the design space for what we now call strategic narrative design—a mix of storytelling and design that helps companies articulate their vision and strategy. It usually takes the form of a slide deck but ends up influencing every aspect of a company’s go-to-market.

Since then, I’ve engaged a few very talented designers, expanded into web design, branding, and Canva design, and in 2023, we became a Certified Canva Agency Partner. The journey has been organic but always focused on helping companies tell their stories in a way that resonates.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Zamora Design is a small design studio specializing in visual storytelling through pitch decks, branding, and web design—typically for startups in tech, entertainment, and media. What sets us apart is our approach—we don’t just focus on making things look good; we dive deep into strategy and storytelling to create designs that resonate with investors, clients, and audiences.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust our clients place in us. Over the years, we’ve worked with startups and industry giants alike, helping them raise millions of dollars (over half a billion dollars by now), launch innovative products, and tell their stories with clarity and impact. Becoming a Certified Canva Agency Partner last year was a huge milestone for us and reflects our commitment to making great design accessible to everyone.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Starting a business is never a straight line, and there were moments of doubt, especially in the early days and after my son was born. Navigating those challenges taught me two critical lessons: relationships matter, and persistence pays off. Building trust with clients, collaborating with a talented team, and learning from mentors have all been key to our success.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about Zamora Design, it’s that we’re not your average design agency. We’re here to partner with you, to help you tell your story in a way that’s authentic, compelling, and visually stunning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Francisco is such a special city to me—easy to visit but impossible to fully know. It’s full of hidden corners, underground bars, and surprises around every turn.

Mornings would start with fresh pastries (not cheap, but worth it) and strong coffee at Tartine Bakery in the Mission. For lunch, I’d take my friend to Samovar, a tea bar in Yerba Buena Gardens, or La Fusion for their legendary roasted chicken. Dinner might be at La Mar, a Peruvian gem on the Embarcadero with killer Pisco Sours and a view to match. For a laid-back night, The Stinking Rose in North Beach is a garlic-lover’s dream. If we’re feeling fancy, Roka Akor in Jackson Square, north of the Financial District, serves some of the best Japanese dishes in town.

We’d explore the city’s highlights: a ferry to Alcatraz for some history, a walk or bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge for the views, and a stroll through Muir Woods’ redwoods. Golden Gate Park is another must, with its gardens and museums like the de Young. For beach vibes, we’d hit Stinson Beach or hike the cliffs at Sutro Baths and Land’s End for some of the city’s most stunning coastal views.

For hangouts, Dolores Park is perfect for people-watching and soaking in the sun, while the Mission District offers street art, funky cafes, and vibrant energy. Haight-Ashbury is great for vintage shopping and a dive into SF’s counter-culture roots. For sunset views, you can’t beat Twin Peaks. And the Ferry Building Marketplace is a fun spot to snack, shop, and soak up the waterfront vibe.

Midweek, we’d take a break from the city for a weekend trip to Yosemite National Park. Nothing beats Yosemite Falls, the to Glacier Point, or some bouldering around Curry Village. It really is the perfect place.

This trip would be packed with food, adventure, and unforgettable moments—exactly what San Francisco and its surroundings do best.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my wife, Grace, and the loud love of my 3-year old son, Maverick—everything I do, I do for them. Grace has been my sounding board for big decisions and has supported me through the ups and downs of building a business.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to some incredible leaders I’ve had the privilege of working alongside—Scott, Orr, and Stephanie. Each of them has shaped my approach to leadership, creativity, and resilience in their own way. They’ve been mentors, collaborators, and, honestly, role models I continue to look up to.

Website: https://zamora.design/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zamora.design.ig

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bzamora

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zamora.design.fb

Other: Behance: https://www.behance.net/BorjaZamora

Image Credits
Constance Chu