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From Idea to Investment: Exploring Venture Capital and Startup Success
From Idea to Investment: Exploring Venture Capital and Startup Success
Group size
1-6 students
Outcome
An investment thesis and presentation of your work
Tuition
$495
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From Idea to Investment: Exploring Venture Capital and Startup Success
Have you ever wondered how groundbreaking ideas become successful companies? This Pod introduces you to the exciting world of venture capital and early-stage investing. Learn how investors identify promising startups, evaluate business ideas, and play a crucial role in bringing innovation to life. We'll explore real-world examples, conduct mock investment analyses, and discover how to spot the next big thing! By the end, you’ll have developed your own investment thesis that you’ll present to your Pod.
Week by week curriculum
Week 1
Introduction to Venture Capital & Startups: Explore the fundamentals of venture capital, the startup lifecycle, and the role of investors. Through interactive discussions and case studies, you'll gain insight into how groundbreaking startups get their start and identify key players in the VC ecosystem.
Week 2
Spotting a Great Idea: Learn how to evaluate business ideas by identifying market needs, conducting basic research, and assessing the "problem-solution fit." Hands-on activities will help you recognize promising opportunities and analyze successful product launches.
Week 3
The Business Side of Startups: Understand how startups generate revenue, analyze different business models, and grasp key financial concepts. Through workshops and exercises, you'll learn how to assess financial viability and build a solid business framework.
Week 4
Due Diligence — Digging Deeper: Dive into startup evaluation by examining leadership teams, competition, risks, and regulatory considerations. A mock due diligence exercise will help you assess the critical factors that contribute to a startup's success.
Week 5
Building an Investment Thesis and Pitching: Develop an investment thesis and refine your pitch presentation skills. Through hands-on workshops, you'll craft a compelling case for why a startup deserves funding and practice delivering persuasive investment recommendations.
Week 6
Final Pitches and Reflection: Present your investment thesis in a final pitch session, engage in a Q&A discussion, and reflect on your learning experience. This culminating exercise will reinforce your ability to analyze and communicate investment decisions effectively.