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Dr. Svenja Jarchow
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 burned. Thus, financing is the key to making biotechnology innovations accessible to everyone.
Read more
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 burned. Thus, financing is the key to making biotechnology innovations accessible to everyone.
Read more
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 burned. Thus, financing is the key to making biotechnology innovations accessible to 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 the 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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/4rfv71/financing
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Welcome
Basic Concepts of Financing
Sources of Financing
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Syllabus
Course Welcome
Basic Concepts of Financing
Sources of Financing
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Financing Biotech Innovation.
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Career center
Learners who complete Financing Biotech Innovation will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Biotechnology Startup Founder
Biotechnology Startup Founder
The journey of a Biotechnology Startup Founder is inherently tied to securing funding to translate groundbreaking research into viable products. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course is exceptionally tailored for an aspiring Biotechnology Startup Founder, as it provides the confidence to talk to and convince investors to fund an endeavor. It covers the entire funding process, from basic concepts of financing and evaluating different sources of capital to the critical skills of valuing a company and pitching to investors. Understanding legal aspects of an investment contract and effectively communicating a project to financial backers are indispensable skills taught, making this a cornerstone for launching and growing a successful biotech startup.
Venture Capital Analyst
Venture Capital Analyst
A Venture Capital Analyst plays a critical role in identifying and evaluating investment opportunities in innovative companies, particularly within high-growth sectors like biotechnology. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course directly prepares individuals for this career by providing an introduction to financing and discussing the motivations of those involved in funding. Learners will gain confidence in evaluating potential investments and understanding the intricate funding process, including company valuation and legal aspects of investment contracts. The ability to effectively communicate a project to financial backers, as taught in the course, is essential for an analyst presenting recommendations to partners, making this highly relevant for aspiring professionals in venture capital.
Biotechnology Consultant Strategic Finance
Biotechnology Consultant Strategic Finance
A Biotechnology Consultant Strategic Finance provides expert advice to biotech companies on their financial strategies, fundraising efforts, and corporate transactions. This role demands a sophisticated understanding of both the life sciences industry and complex financial mechanisms. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course directly addresses many core competencies required, offering an introduction to financing, sources of capital, and the entire funding process. It also covers critical topics such as company valuation, legal aspects of investment contracts, and pitching for funding. This foundational knowledge enables a consultant to confidently guide clients through fundraising challenges and develop robust financial and strategic plans.
Portfolio Manager Venture Capital
Portfolio Manager Venture Capital
A Portfolio Manager Venture Capital oversees a collection of investments in early-stage companies, often within the biotechnology sector. This role requires strategic decision-making regarding follow-on funding, exits, and maximizing returns. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course is highly relevant, providing deep insights into the funding process, including valuing a company, managing fundraising, and understanding exit strategies. The ability to effectively communicate with financial backers and comprehend the challenges of securing capital for innovative ventures, as taught in the course, is crucial for guiding portfolio companies through their growth stages and making informed investment decisions to optimize overall portfolio performance.
Investment Banking Associate
Investment Banking Associate
An Investment Banking Associate advises biotechnology companies on capital raising, mergers, and acquisitions. This demanding role requires a deep understanding of financial markets and the unique challenges faced by biotech firms. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course provides an introduction to financing and covers key areas such as evaluating different sources of financing, managing the fundraising process, and understanding legal aspects of investment contracts. These skills are fundamental for structuring deals and advising clients effectively. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on company valuation and pitching to investors directly applies to the daily tasks of an Investment Banking Associate, making it a valuable foundation for a career in this sector.
Chief Financial Officer Biotechnology Startup
Chief Financial Officer Biotechnology Startup
A Chief Financial Officer Biotechnology Startup is a pivotal executive responsible for all financial aspects, including fundraising, financial planning, and strategy. This senior leadership role requires a comprehensive understanding of securing capital for innovative ventures. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course offers fundamental knowledge highly valuable for an aspiring or early-stage Chief Financial Officer Biotechnology Startup. It provides an introduction to financing, covers various sources of capital, details the funding process, and addresses critical skills like company valuation, legal aspects of investment contracts, and pitching to investors. This course builds the confidence needed to manage the fundraising process and communicate effectively with financial backers. Typically, this role requires an advanced degree.
Angel Investor
Angel Investor
An Angel Investor provides seed funding to early-stage companies, often in sectors where they possess expertise, such as biotechnology. This role requires discerning promising startups, assessing their financial viability, and understanding the investment landscape. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course is highly beneficial for an aspiring Angel Investor, as it offers an introduction to financing and discusses the different motivations of those involved in funding. Learners will gain the confidence to evaluate different sources of financing and understand the challenges faced during the fundraising process, including company valuation and legal aspects of investment contracts, enabling more informed and strategic investment decisions.
Corporate Development Manager
Corporate Development Manager
A Corporate Development Manager within a biotechnology firm is responsible for identifying and executing strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic investments. This role requires a strong grasp of financial strategy and the funding landscape. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course can be highly beneficial, as it introduces basic concepts of financing, discusses sources of financing, and delves into company valuation. Understanding the motivations of those involved in financing and the challenges of the fundraising process, as covered by the course, is crucial for structuring and negotiating strategic deals that align with a company's goals and investor expectations.
Financial Analyst Biotech Sector
Financial Analyst Biotech Sector
A Financial Analyst in the biotechnology sector specializes in assessing the financial health and potential of biotech companies. This professional conducts in-depth analysis of financial statements, market trends, and investment opportunities. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course can serve as a strong foundation for this career, providing an introduction to financing, an understanding of the funding process, and essential knowledge in valuation and value creation. The course's focus on different sources of financing and the challenges of fundraising will enable a Financial Analyst to better evaluate a company's financial strategies and communicate their findings effectively, particularly when assessing early-stage or innovation-driven firms.
Business Development Manager, Biotechnology
Business Development Manager, Biotechnology
A Business Development Manager Biotechnology identifies and cultivates strategic partnerships, licensing agreements, and collaborations to advance a company's pipeline and commercial reach. This role often involves understanding the financial implications and fundraising potential of new ventures. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course may be helpful by providing an introduction to financing concepts, an understanding of valuing a company, and the challenges faced during the fundraising process. While not directly focused on sales or partnerships, the ability to communicate a project effectively to any type of financial backer, as taught in the course, is a transferable skill valuable for articulating the commercial potential and financial needs of potential deals to partners.
Equity Research Analyst Biotechnology
Equity Research Analyst Biotechnology
An Equity Research Analyst Biotechnology evaluates publicly traded biotech companies, providing investment recommendations to institutional clients. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of scientific innovation, market dynamics, and financial analysis. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course may be useful by offering an introduction to financing and delving into company valuation and value creation. Gaining insight into the funding process, sources of financing, and the motivations of investors can provide a unique perspective for an analyst assessing a biotech firm's financial health, growth potential, and ability to secure future capital, thereby informing their investment theses.
Technology Transfer Specialist Life Sciences
Technology Transfer Specialist Life Sciences
A Technology Transfer Specialist Life Sciences facilitates the commercialization of scientific discoveries from academic institutions to industry. This often involves assessing the market potential of innovations and helping secure early-stage funding. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course may be helpful by providing an introduction to basic concepts of financing, understanding sources of financing, and the challenges of the fundraising process. The ability to communicate a project effectively to financial backers, as covered in the course, is particularly relevant for presenting novel technologies to potential investors or industry partners, bridging the gap between scientific innovation and commercial viability.
Licensing and Transactions Manager
Licensing and Transactions Manager
A Licensing and Transactions Manager within the biotechnology industry is responsible for negotiating and executing intellectual property licenses, research collaborations, and asset acquisitions. This role often requires an understanding of the financial valuation of technologies and the potential for commercialization. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course may be helpful by providing an introduction to basic concepts of financing, understanding company valuation, and insight into the challenges of the fundraising process. While not directly focused on deal structures, the course's emphasis on effective communication with financial backers and understanding value creation can indirectly assist a Licensing and Transactions Manager in assessing the financial viability and strategic importance of potential deals.
Project Manager Research and Development Finance
Project Manager Research and Development Finance
A Project Manager Research and Development Finance oversees the financial planning and execution of R&D projects, particularly within a biotechnology context. This role involves managing budgets, forecasting financial needs, and ensuring projects align with funding objectives. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course may be useful by providing an introduction to financing concepts, understanding different sources of financing, and the challenges of the fundraising process. While not a core finance role, the course's emphasis on valuation and effective communication with financial backers can assist a Project Manager Research and Development Finance in articulating project value, justifying resource allocation, and understanding the broader financial context of R&D investments.
Innovation Manager Healthcare
Innovation Manager Healthcare
An Innovation Manager Healthcare is tasked with identifying, developing, and implementing new healthcare solutions and technologies, often requiring an understanding of the commercialization pathway and funding landscape. The 'Financing Biotech Innovation' course may be helpful by providing an introduction to financing, understanding sources of financing, and the challenges of the fundraising process. While the role is broader than finance, the ability to communicate a project effectively to any type of financial backer, and an understanding of value creation, can significantly aid an Innovation Manager Healthcare in securing support and resources for novel healthcare initiatives, especially those requiring substantial investment to bring to market.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4rfv71/financing
Reading list
We've selected 20 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Financing Biotech Innovation.
This comprehensive textbook serves as a primary reference for understanding the entire biotech commercialization lifecycle. It is particularly helpful for the 'Basic Concepts of Financing' and 'Sources of Financing' modules, as it bridges the gap between scientific discovery and business strategy. Commonly used in academic settings, this book adds significant depth to the course by detailing the regulatory and clinical milestones that trigger financing events.
Is the definitive reference tool for the 'Valuation & Value Creation' section of the course, focusing on the risk-adjusted Net Present Value (rNPV) method. It is highly valued by industry professionals for providing a technical framework to value early-stage drug candidates. While technically challenging, it is more valuable as a current reference for students needing to perform actual financial modeling for biotech startups.
Published recently, this book provides a modern look at the life sciences ecosystem and the evolving nature of venture capital in biotech. It is excellent additional reading that provides breadth to the 'Sources of Financing' module by discussing current market trends and the role of patient advocacy in funding. The author's authority as a long-time industry executive makes this an essential contemporary guide.
Frequently used as a textbook, this book provides a high-level overview of the biotech industry’s unique business model. It is particularly useful for students seeking background knowledge on how intellectual property and regulatory hurdles impact a company's ability to raise capital. It supplements the course by providing a broader context of the environment in which biotech financing occurs.
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This foundational text by a Harvard professor is valuable as additional reading to understand why the biotech industry faces such unique financing challenges. It provides a historical and structural analysis of the 'science-based business' model, which helps students grasp the concepts in the 'Basic Concepts of Financing' module. It highly reputable work that challenges standard assumptions about biotech innovation.
Commonly used in European business schools, this textbook offers a structured approach to the 'Funding Process' and 'Exiting a Company' modules. It provides a solid academic framework for understanding different stages of growth and the financial instruments used at each stage. is particularly relevant for students taking the course through the Technical University of Munich due to its European perspective.
Provides an inside look at how venture capital funds are raised and managed, which is excellent background for the 'Sources of Financing' module. It helps entrepreneurs understand the 'why' behind investor behavior, making it easier to navigate the 'Pitching & Closing' phase. It serves as a comprehensive reference tool for understanding the lifecycle of a VC-backed startup.
This recent publication useful reference tool for the 'Valuation & Value Creation' module, offering modern methodologies for valuing companies with no revenue. It adds technical breadth by discussing fair value measurements and the complexities of capital structures in startups. It is particularly valuable for those looking to understand the accounting and auditing side of biotech finance.
Offers a practical, insider's guide to the fundraising process, making it highly relevant to the 'Pitching & Closing' and 'Exiting a Company' modules. It explains the mechanics of how VCs make decisions, which provides essential context for the course's focus on convincing investors. It is written in an accessible style, making it ideal for first-time entrepreneurs.
Though older, this book remains a useful reference tool for its specific focus on the financial modeling of drug pipelines. It supplements the course by providing detailed examples of how to account for clinical trial success probabilities in valuations. It is best used as additional reading for students who want to specialize in biotech equity research or corporate development.
Written by a leading biotech investor, this book provides a concise overview of the fundraising process from the investor's perspective. It is excellent prerequisite reading for the 'Pitching & Closing' module, as it details what makes a biotech company 'investable.' While a bit dated, the core principles of value inflection points remain highly relevant today.
Highly popular resource for the 'Pitching & Closing a Financing Round' module. It provides a psychological framework for capturing investor attention and managing the 'power dynamics' of a meeting. While not biotech-specific, its techniques are widely used by industry professionals to secure funding for high-stakes endeavors.
This narrative account of the founding of Vertex Pharmaceuticals provides invaluable background on the 'money burn' and financing challenges mentioned in the course description. It illustrates the 'Funding Process' and 'Exiting' through a real-world, high-stakes example. It is more valuable as additional reading for inspiration and context than as a technical reference.
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Explores how data and AI are changing the business of healthcare, which is relevant for the 'Value Creation' and 'Innovation' themes of the course. It helps students understand how new technologies might be valued differently by modern investors. It provides breadth by looking at the future of the industry that these biotech innovations will enter.
Provides a clear perspective on the venture capital ecosystem, which is useful for the 'Sources of Financing' module. It helps students understand the different motivations of venture partners versus entrepreneurs, a key theme in the course. It is an accessible reference for those new to the world of professional fundraising.
This academic text provides a structured look at the management of life science ventures, with a strong focus on the European context. It is an excellent supplement for the 'Summary & Goodbye' and 'Exiting' modules, discussing long-term sustainability and strategic exits. It adds depth to the course's discussion on the 'legal aspects' and 'valuation' from a management perspective.
Although it focuses on public market investing, this book provides a great overview of the drug development stages that are critical for the 'Valuation' and 'Funding Process' modules. It helps students understand how external analysts view biotech companies, which is useful when preparing a pitch. It serves as a good background tool for understanding the broader financial ecosystem.
A classic in the startup world, this book is highly relevant to the 'Pitching' and 'Basic Concepts of Financing' modules. It provides actionable advice on creating a pitch deck and managing the fundraising process effectively. While general in nature, its principles are directly applicable to the course's objective of 'communicating your project effectively.'
An earlier work by the author of the primary course textbook, this book focuses on the operational side of a biotech company. It provides useful background for the 'Funding Process' module by explaining why so much capital is needed for R&D and clinical trials. It valuable reference for students who want a deeper understanding of the 'money burn' mentioned in the course description.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/4rfv71/financing
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Effort
3-4 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Instructor
Dr. Svenja Jarchow
Session
November 17, 2025
- January 19, 2026
Language
English
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