This course provides aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with a holistic view of what it takes to launch and scale a successful startup. By the end of the course, participants will be able to analyze the critical challenges and decision points that arise in early-stage ventures. From navigating pivotal decisions about product timing and investor partnerships to mastering the art of pitching and valuation, each module offers, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises. By addressing common pitfalls and highlighting key success factors, the series empowers participants to think strategically, make informed decisions, and confidently engage with potential investors.
Master the art of startup success in this dynamic course designed for both investors and entrepreneurs. Dive into crucial topics from choosing the right investors and launching your product, to decoding investor signals, structuring compelling pitches, and mastering startup valuation. Gain actionable insights and avoid common pitfalls, empowering you to negotiate confidently and scale your venture with clarity.
What's included
1 video
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 2 minutes
First of all, welcome to IESE!•2 minutes
Navigating Entrepreneurial Dilemmas
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
Master the art of startup success in this dynamic course designed for both investors and entrepreneurs.
Start by examining crucial considerations for new businesses, focusing on selecting the right investors, determining the optimal time for product launches, and integrating essential technical skills early on. These insights will equip you with the analytical tools and practical knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of establishing and scaling a successful startup.
What's included
11 videos4 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
11 videos•Total 32 minutes
Course Introduction•1 minute
Keep Your Job vs Launch a Start Up•3 minutes
Create vs Serve the Need•4 minutes
Observation vs Experience•3 minutes
Alone vs Team•2 minutes
Growth vs Control•3 minutes
Launch Now or Later•4 minutes
B2B vs B2C•4 minutes
Tech Outsource vs In House•4 minutes
Debt vs Equity•3 minutes
Change the Name Now vs Later•2 minutes
4 readings•Total 18 minutes
Discover the Course Structure•10 minutes
Meet the Senior Lecturer Mathieu Carenzo•2 minutes
Introduction •1 minute
📌 Conclusions•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
🚩 Question Time•15 minutes
Key Insights on How Entrepreneurs Fool Themselves
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
Key Insights on How Entrepreneurs Fool Themselves goes into the common pitfalls and misconceptions that entrepreneurs often encounter, offering insights into financial management, market analysis, competitive strategy, and innovation. Through expert guidance and real-world examples, learners will uncover how to avoid these mistakes and strategically navigate the entrepreneurial landscape for sustained success.
What's included
8 videos2 readings1 assignment
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8 videos•Total 22 minutes
Conservative Projections•4 minutes
Our Market is Huge•3 minutes
My Idea is Very Disruptive•4 minutes
We Have No Competition•3 minutes
We Have a Complete Team•2 minutes
Key Talent Will Join Us After Funding•2 minutes
We Have Good Initial Metrics•2 minutes
Low Agility of Big Corporations•3 minutes
2 readings•Total 5 minutes
Introduction•2 minutes
📌 Conclusions•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
🚩 Question Time •15 minutes
Promises and Realities of Investors for Entrepreneurs
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
Promises and Realities of Investors for Entrepreneurs is designed to help entrepreneurs interpret and analyze indirect responses and implicit signals they receive from investors during the fundraising process. Each lesson focuses on common phrases that, while they may seem neutral or positive, often signal a lack of genuine interest. Through these insights, entrepreneurs will learn to read between the lines, recognize an investor’s true level of engagement, and strategically redirect their efforts.
What's included
8 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 19 minutes
Your Project Doesn’t Align with My Investment Strategy•2 minutes
I Really Like Your Project, but My Partners Don’t•2 minutes
If You Get a Lead, We’ll Invest•2 minutes
We Invest in People•3 minutes
I Won’t Interfere with Your Strategic Decisions•2 minutes
I Have Plenty of Time to Dedicate to Your Company•3 minutes
In the dynamic world of startup investments, the difference between success and failure often hinges on a thorough and nuanced understanding of key investment criteria. This course is designed to transform you into a knowledgeable investor by analyzing the essential elements that mark a startup as feasible, viable, and worthy of investment.
What's included
6 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 27 minutes
Market•2 minutes
Value Proposition •3 minutes
The Team •7 minutes
Momentum •5 minutes
Scalability •4 minutes
Exit•4 minutes
2 readings•Total 7 minutes
Introduction•5 minutes
📌 Conclusions•2 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
🚩Question Time: Identifying Two Key Knowledge Areas•20 minutes
Master the Art of the Pitch
Module 6•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, you will learn how to structure a compelling pitch that connects with investors and highlights your startup or business. You will discover how to tailor your message to the context, use relevant metrics, and close with an effective call to action. Through practical exercises, you will develop the skills needed to inspire confidence and secure your next meeting.
What's included
5 videos3 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 19 minutes
The Art of Pitching: Connecting•3 minutes
Master the Art of the Pitch in Any Setting•3 minutes
4 Elements of an Impactful Pitch•6 minutes
4 Key Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid to Improve Your Pitch Deck•3 minutes
3 Critical Challenges When Pitching to Investors•4 minutes
3 readings•Total 10 minutes
Introduction•2 minutes
Keys to Engaging with Investors After the Pitch•3 minutes
📌 Conclusions•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
🚩 Practice Your Story•20 minutes
Valuation Fundamentals for Early-Stage Startups
Module 7•27 minutes to complete
Module details
Valuing a startup is as much an art as it is a science. From gut feeling to market comparables and sophisticated financial projections, each method gives entrepreneurs different insights into what their company might be worth. But valuation doesn’t end with numbers alone; it requires understanding market trends, team experience, timing, and strategic investor psychology. This module will walk you through the essentials of startup valuation, equipping you to set realistic expectations and negotiate with confidence.
What's included
7 videos2 readings
Show info about module content
7 videos•Total 21 minutes
The Art of Startup Valuation•3 minutes
The Power and Pitfalls of Gut Feeling in Startup Valuation•4 minutes
Setting Your Startup’s Valuation Boundaries: From Gut Feeling to DCF•2 minutes
Finding the Middle Ground with Market Valuation•3 minutes
Beyond Numbers: The 3 T's of Startup Valuation•2 minutes
Creating Urgency: Using FOMO to Drive Startup Valuation•4 minutes
The VC Method: Valuing for High Returns and Equity Stakes•3 minutes
2 readings•Total 6 minutes
Introduction•1 minute
📌 Conclusions•5 minutes
Fundraising Complex Terminology
Module 8•2 hours to complete
Module details
In the world of fundraising, understanding complex terminology is crucial for entrepreneurs navigating investments and negotiations. This module will equip you with key definitions to help you understand the vocabulary and terms frequently encountered in the fundraising process and corresponding shareholder agreements between entrepreneurs and investors.
What's included
23 videos7 readings
Show info about module content
23 videos•Total 81 minutes
Basic Terms: Different Types of Investment Rounds•3 minutes
IESE Business School has been developing leaders since 1958 through management programs designed for every stage of your career. With a commitment to making a deep, positive, and lasting impact on people, businesses, and society, IESE offers top-ranked MBA and Executive Education programs that empower professionals to lead with purpose and excellence.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.