This course starts with a close look at entrepreneurial finance, revenue models, and sources of startup funding. Learners will build a revenue model, create a Financial Plan for a new startup idea, and prepare an investor presentation for raising capital. Business legal structures are reviewed and some of the key legal considerations and pitfalls for startups are examined. Intellectual Property (IP) is presented as a business strategy for creating value and building competitive advantage. The role of ethics in a startup environment is explored in the context of an entrepreneurial mindset. The value of building a learning organization is presented. Startup growth strategies for building technology companies and exit options for technology entrepreneurs are reviewed. Learners will complete a business plan for a new product or service idea.
Forming, Funding, and Launching a Technology Startup Company
This course is part of Technology Entrepreneurship Specialization
Instructor: John E. Thomas
Included with 
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
By successfully completing this course, you will be able to build a revenue model and pro forma income statement for a new startup idea.
You will be able to examine debt and equity funding sources for technology startups and create an investor presentation for a new product idea.
You will also be able to identify the pros and cons of different business structures and the key legal considerations for technology startups.
Lastly, you will be able to assemble a complete business plan for a new startup idea.
Skills you'll gain
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There are 5 modules in this course
This section introduces revenue models and pro forma income statements. Alternative revenue models are discussed, and the detailed analysis of a simple unit revenue model is provided. A spreadsheet tool for building a proforma income statements is reviewed and provided as a resource. Learners will use the tool to complete assignments. Cashflow and breakeven are also reviewed.
What's included
8 videos12 readings1 quiz1 peer review
Key funding concepts and considerations for startups are introduced and potential sources of funding are identified. Debt and equity financing options are compared in addition to angel and venture capital investors. Important factors related to startup valuation, capitalization tables, and the due diligence process are also presented. Alternative funding options including government grants and crowdfunding websites are introduced.
What's included
7 videos13 readings1 quiz1 peer review
This section introduces the final components to the business plan including the Executive Summary, Company Overview, Risk Analysis, and the Financial Plan. Topics covered include managing, distributing, and presenting the business plan.
What's included
7 videos12 readings1 quiz1 peer review
Options for the legal structure of a new business are presented along with some of the pros and cons of each. The different types of intellectual property are reviewed with emphasis placed on the value they bring to the firm. Legal issues related to hiring employees are examined along with some of the common legal challenges faced by startups.
What's included
6 videos12 readings1 quiz1 peer review
The role and impact of entrepreneurial ethics in the formation and growth of technology startups is reviewed. The importance of a company culture that promotes ethical decision making and actions is emphasized. The value of building a learning organization from the beginning is discussed and several common growth and exit strategies are presented.
What's included
8 videos12 readings2 quizzes1 peer review
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship
Duke University
Universidad de Palermo
University of Maryland, College Park
Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
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