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 do you get it funded and keep it on the path to success? This course will provide students with a balanced technical 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. The course will begin with an overview of the public equity marketplace and venture financing industry, including angel investors, incubators, and accelerators. We will then cover the concepts of risk and reward, organizing for optimal funding, equity and debt instruments, the “pitch,” 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. Veteran high-level venture professionals, along with experienced attorneys who work extensively with startups and later-stage companies, will be guest speakers. Each step in preparing to raise venture financing and actually doing so considers the perspective of the financier—the one deciding who gets funded and who does not. This course is a must for anyone who is considering, or has created, a new enterprise.