Courses

You have an idea to solve a problem, you have created the product or service to address this problem, you have proven the concept, and now you are ready to launch your new enterprise. But how to get it funded and keep it on the path to success? This course will provide students with a balanced technical and historical overview of the role and methodology of venture capital and angel financing from the perspective of both the startup or early-stage company and the investor. Included in this process will be an overview of the public equity marketplace and venture financing industry, including angel investors, incubators, and accelerators. The course will cover the concepts of risk and reward, organizing the startup enterprise for optimal funding, equity and debt instruments, preparing the business plan and “pitch,” details of term sheet and valuation negotiations, and subsequent financing rounds, including the IPO process. Current trends in private financing and deal terms will also be discussed. High-level venture professionals, along with attorneys who work extensively with startups, will be guest speakers. Each step in preparing to raise venture financing and actually doing so considers the perspective of the financier: the one who determines who gets funded—and who does not.