Financing Biotech Innovations from edX

To harvest the enormous potential of ground-breaking research in the field of biotechnology, large amounts of financing are needed. From the first lab results to a commercially viable product many years go by and much money is burnt. Thus, financing is the key to making biotechnology innovations accessible for everyone.

By the end of this course, you will have the confidence to talk to and convince investors to fund your endeavor. To do so, the course offers an introduction to financing and discusses the different motivations of those involved in financing. It will also enable you to evaluate different sources of financing. Moreover, it will establish an understanding of the challenges faced during to fundraising process such as valuing a company, the legal aspects of an investment contract, or pitching your company to investors. Thereby, it will provide you with the confidence of managing the fundraising process and communicating your project effectively to any type of financial backer.

This course will be part of the professional certificate program “Realizing Biotech Innovations--A Business Guide for Scientists” which will consist of three courses designed to realize your biotech innovation. The course is brought to you by the Technical University of Munich - one of Europe’s most outstanding universities in research and innovation. It offers the academic expertise on biotech entrepreneurship which is expanded by the hands-on expertise from those working in the field such as industry experts, investors, and entrepreneurs who will share their advice and experiences.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Comprehensive understanding of what drives investor decisions
Evaluating different sources of venture financing

Mastering the financing process including negotiating terms and the business valuation
Effective communication & presentation of a business idea

Comprehensive understanding of what drives investor decisions
Evaluating different sources of venture financing
Mastering the financing process including negotiating terms and the business valuation
Effective communication & presentation of a business idea

Syllabus

Module 1: Basic Concepts of Financing

Introduction to the concept of equity financing and the main mechanisms which drive financing decisions of entrepreneurs and investors including current and future financing needs, risks & return on capital, and stakeholders involved.

Module 2: Sources of Capital

Introduction of different investor types and when they are most relevant in a firm’s development. Investment types covered include among others public grants, angel investments, venture capital, and stock market financing.

Module 3: Funding Process

This module includes a walk through the stages of an investment process from screening and evaluating a business idea, to structuring the terms of an investment, and the post-investment collaboration.

Module 4: Valuation & Value Creation

Discussion of what value is and what drives value as well as an introduction of several business valuation methods.

Module 5: Pitching & Closing a Financing Round

Introduction on how to optimally present a business idea to an investor and what to consider when negotiating with an investor.

Module 6: Exiting a Company

Discussion of how an investor can exit the company including a more detailed understanding of acquisitions and getting a company listed at the stock exchange.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for biotechnologists, scientists, and entrepreneurs seeking to bring their innovations to market

Led by instructors with combined academic and industry expertise, ensuring practical relevance

Comprehensively covers the financing process, from investor motivations to negotiation strategies

Explores diverse sources of financing, including public grants, angel investments, and venture capital

Provides insights into the challenges and legal aspects of fundraising, empowering participants to manage the process effectively

Culminates in a well-rounded understanding of the entire financing landscape for biotechnology innovations

Reviews summary

Biotech financing explained

Learners say this well-received course is highly recommended for those working in biotechnology. The informative content is accessible to beginners. Step-by-step exercises, tutorials, real-life examples, and interviews with experts help learners master the material.

The course is packed with real-world examples to make learning relevant.

"It explained me very well simple terms the basics of startups financing, valuation, and terms, which are important to keep in mind. And - what I find precious - course materials have a lot of ready-to-use real-life applicable worksheets."

Course provides a good overview of biotech financing with industry-specific examples.

"Highly recommended course for anyone with a career in biotech as it offers a good financial overview."

"good general knowledge... examples that are more focused on biotechnology companies than other types of companies would make sense..."

The course is accessible to students with no prior finance experience.

"Even if I don't have an economic background, I've been able to understand all the concepts."

"Although I am not a finance student, I never felt detached or out of place throughout the program."

Industry experts offer valuable insights and advice.

"The guest experts were knowledgeable and added a great deal to the course."

"I think that an interesting feature of this course, are the experts' opinions that contribute to show the concepts in the real world dynamics."

"The advice and ideas from the experts are really helpful and promising as they help to link the real-life examples with the course content."

"I also found the interviews with industry experts especially helpful to get some inspiration, but also to hear from real biotech Investors themselves - what they are looking at and what we should be ready to show."

The course is well-structured, engaging, and easy to understand.

"The course was very helpful. The content was well-designed and presented."

"The course is very well structured and explained with excellent visual aids."

"The course clearly points out the industry-specific challenges of funding venture creation in biotechnology and what needs to be considered from a founder's perspective."

"The virtual format of the course offered the flexibility I needed to learn at my own pace and convenience."

"The lecturer's professionalism and straightforward teaching style made complex financial concepts accessible."

"The biggest strength of the course is in the presentation."

Peer assessment can cause unnecessary delays.

"Peer assessments were problematic and an unnecessary delay to completing the course."

"In my case I have finished the course and still did not have some of my answers assessed."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Financing Biotech Innovations with these activities:

Revisit Concepts from Basic Finance and Accounting

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Refresh your knowledge of basic finance and accounting concepts to strengthen your foundation for understanding biotechnology financing.

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Review notes or textbooks from introductory finance and accounting courses.
Complete practice problems and exercises to test your understanding of key concepts.
Attend a refresher course or workshop on basic finance and accounting.

Review Accounting 101

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Review the fundamentals of accounting to strengthen your understanding of financial concepts and principles.

Browse courses on Accounting Fundamentals

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Review notes and textbooks from introductory accounting courses.
Complete practice problems and exercises to test your understanding of basic accounting principles.
Attend a refresher course or workshop on accounting fundamentals.

Follow Tutorials on Biotech Data Analysis Techniques

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Enhance your data analysis skills by following guided tutorials specific to biotech data analysis techniques.

Browse courses on Bioinformatics

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Identify online resources or platforms offering tutorials on biotech data analysis.
Select tutorials that align with your interests and skill level.
Follow the instructions in the tutorials and apply them to real-world biotech data sets.
Practice and experiment with different techniques to deepen your understanding.

Five other activities

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Join a Study Group for Biotechnology Innovations Course

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Engage in discussions and share insights with peers to deepen your understanding of biotechnology innovations and course materials.

Browse courses on Collaborative Learning

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Form or join a study group with fellow students enrolled in the course.
Establish regular meeting times and set study goals.
Collaborate on reviewing lecture notes, discussing concepts, and solving problems.
Provide feedback and support to each other's learning.

Solve Practice Problems on Biotech Company Valuation

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Develop your analytical skills by solving practice problems that focus on valuing biotech companies.

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Gather practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or instructors.
Set a timer and attempt to solve the problems independently.
Compare your answers with solutions and analyze any areas for improvement.
Repeat the process with a variety of practice problems to solidify your understanding.

Develop a Business Plan for a Biotech Startup

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Develop a comprehensive business plan to gain hands-on experience in formulating a business strategy for a biotech startup.

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Define the business concept, target market, and value proposition of your biotech startup.
Conduct market research and analysis to gather insights into the industry and competitive landscape.
Develop a financial plan, including revenue projections, cost analysis, and funding strategy.
Create a team of advisors and mentors to provide guidance and support.
Present your business plan to potential investors or partners.

Attend a Workshop on Biotech Venture Capital Fundraising

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Attend a workshop to gain practical insights and guidance on fundraising strategies for biotech ventures.

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Identify and register for a reputable workshop on biotech venture capital fundraising.
Attend the workshop in person or virtually.
Take notes on key concepts, case studies, and best practices shared by industry experts.
Participate in interactive exercises and discussions.
Follow up with speakers or organizers to clarify any questions or explore further opportunities.

Write a White Paper on a Biotech Industry Trend

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Craft a white paper to demonstrate your understanding of a key trend in the biotech industry and enhance your ability to convey complex scientific information.

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Research and gather data on a specific biotech industry trend.
Analyze and interpret the data to identify key insights and implications.
Structure and write the white paper, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Edit and proofread the white paper to ensure clarity, accuracy, and impact.
Publish and promote the white paper to industry professionals and stakeholders.

Career center

Learners who complete Financing Biotech Innovations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists are professionals who invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. They assess the potential of a company's business plan, team, and market opportunity before investing. The Financing Biotech Innovations course gives Venture Capitalists a comprehensive understanding of the biotech industry, enabling them to make informed investment decisions. The insights into the valuation process and fundraising strategies can help Venture Capitalists enhance their ability to evaluate and negotiate deals in the biotech sector.

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Equity Research Analyst

Equity Research Analysts research and analyze companies to provide investment recommendations to clients. They cover specific industries or sectors, and their reports influence investment decisions. The Financing Biotech Innovations course provides Equity Research Analysts with in-depth knowledge of the biotech industry, empowering them to make informed recommendations on biotech companies. The understanding of valuation methods and exit strategies enhances their ability to assess the potential and risks of biotech investments.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They identify opportunities, develop products or services, and bring them to market. The Financing Biotech Innovations course offers valuable insights for Entrepreneurs in the biotech industry. By understanding the funding landscape, valuation methods, and fundraising strategies, Entrepreneurs can increase their chances of securing funding and building successful biotech companies.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise businesses on strategy, operations, and technology. They help companies improve their performance and achieve their goals. The Financing Biotech Innovations course provides Management Consultants with a deep understanding of the biotech industry and its unique challenges. This knowledge enables them to provide tailored advice to biotech companies on issues such as fundraising, business valuation, and growth strategies.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts evaluate the financial performance and health of companies. They provide recommendations and insights to investors, businesses, and governments. The Financing Biotech Innovations course enhances the knowledge of Financial Analysts in the biotech sector. By understanding the drivers of value in biotech companies and the complexities of the fundraising process, Financial Analysts can provide more accurate and valuable assessments of biotech companies' financial prospects.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development, launch, and marketing of products. They define product strategy, conduct market research, and ensure that products meet customer needs. The Financing Biotech Innovations course provides Product Managers in the biotech industry with a comprehensive understanding of the financing process. This knowledge enables them to assess the financial viability of new products, make informed decisions about product development, and communicate effectively with investors and stakeholders.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice and services to companies and governments. They help raise capital through public offerings and private placements, and advise on mergers and acquisitions. The Financing Biotech Innovations course equips Investment Bankers with the knowledge of the biotech industry and the specific financing needs of biotech companies. This understanding enables them to provide tailored advice and effectively support biotech companies in their fundraising endeavors.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers identify and pursue new business opportunities for their companies. They develop and implement strategies for market expansion, partnerships, and revenue growth. The Financing Biotech Innovations course equips Business Development Managers with the knowledge and skills to navigate the biotech industry effectively. By understanding the funding landscape and key players, Business Development Managers can build stronger relationships with investors and potential partners, driving business growth in the biotech sector.

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Biotechnologist

A Biotechnologist is a scientist who applies biological sciences to develop innovative products and create or modify biological organisms for practical use. Their work may include producing antibiotics, creating genetically modified organisms, or developing new technologies for medical treatments. Biotechnologists need to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. The Financing Biotech Innovations course provides valuable insights into the financing process, including evaluating sources of funding, negotiating terms, and pitching business ideas to investors. This knowledge can help Biotechnologists secure funding for their research and development projects, which is crucial for advancing their careers.

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Financial Planner

Financial Planners assist individuals and families in managing their finances. They provide advice on investments, retirement planning, estate planning, and more. The Financing Biotech Innovations course broadens the knowledge of Financial Planners in the biotech sector. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of biotech companies, Financial Planners can provide tailored advice to clients interested in investing in or working in the biotech industry.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They conduct market research, identify target audiences, and create messaging to generate leads and drive sales. The Financing Biotech Innovations course may be useful for Marketing Managers who specialize in the biotech industry. By understanding the funding landscape and the unique challenges of biotech companies, Marketing Managers can develop more effective marketing strategies that resonate with investors, customers, and partners.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business. They ensure that products and services are produced and delivered efficiently. The Financing Biotech Innovations course may be useful for Operations Managers in the biotech industry. By understanding the financial aspects of biotech companies, Operations Managers can make informed decisions about resource allocation, production planning, and inventory management, contributing to the overall success and efficiency of the business.

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Scientist

Scientists conduct research in various fields, including biology, chemistry, and physics. They develop new knowledge and technologies that contribute to scientific advancements and practical applications. The Financing Biotech Innovations course may be useful for Scientists who are interested in commercializing their research or pursuing careers in the biotech industry. The course provides insights into the funding process and the business aspects of biotech innovation, which can help Scientists navigate the path from research to commercialization.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights for businesses. They use statistical and analytical techniques to identify trends, patterns, and relationships in data. The Financing Biotech Innovations course may be useful for Data Analysts who specialize in the biotech industry. By understanding the financial aspects of biotech companies, Data Analysts can provide more relevant and impactful insights to decision-makers, helping them make informed decisions about funding, product development, and business strategy.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work in various industries, including biotech, healthcare, and finance. The Financing Biotech Innovations course may be useful for Software Engineers who are interested in working in the biotech industry. The course provides insights into the business aspects of biotech, enabling Software Engineers to better understand the needs and challenges of biotech companies. This knowledge can help them develop software solutions that meet the specific requirements of the biotech industry.

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