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The Start-up CFO

Prof. Dr. Malte Brettel

Entrepreneurs and founders of a start-up are confronted with many issues in a young company. Above all, solid financing forms the basis for the company's success. Only if the necessary capital is available can entrepreneurs build up the company and make investments accordingly.

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Entrepreneurs and founders of a start-up are confronted with many issues in a young company. Above all, solid financing forms the basis for the company's success. Only if the necessary capital is available can entrepreneurs build up the company and make investments accordingly.

How do you optimise your financing in a start-up? And how do you gain access to sources of financing and what sources are actually available? In this introductory course on Entrepreneurial Finance you will learn exactly that: You will learn which financing strategies and sources of financing exist and which investors are particularly relevant for start-ups. You will also learn more about the role and importance of a CFO in young companies.

Our tips and tricks will help you with the first steps in financing your company and give you practical advice on what to look out for.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Introduction: what are the key aspects of entrepreneurial finance?
  • Financing strategy: what are my options and how do i make my financing decisions?
  • Business angels: what are business angels and how do i work with them?
  • Getting started: how do i approach and convince investors?
  • Valuation: how do i figure out what my venture is worth?
  • Common pitfalls: what should i watch out for to avoid common mistakes?

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction - What are the key aspects of entrepreneurial finance?
In this introductory week, we will explore the fundamental principles of entrepreneurial finance. You will learn why entrepreneurial finance is important and what liquidity planning and cash flow statements are. You will also familiarise yourself with the elements of financial controlling.
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Week 2: Financing strategy - What are my options and how do I make my financing decisions?
This week focuses on the various financing options available to entrepreneurs. You will learn about basic theories of financing. You will also learn how to calculate the optimum capital requirement. An overview of different sources of financing rounds off the chapter.
Week 3: Business angels - What are business angels and how do I work with them?
Here you will gain a detailed insight into the world and working methods of business angels. You will learn about the various characteristics of business angels and the role they play on the capital market. We also explain how to choose the best business angel for your company.
Week 4: Getting started - How do I approach and convince investors?
In this chapter, you will learn how to write a business plan and what exactly a stress test is. You will also receive an introduction to creating a convincing pitch.
Week 5: Valuation - How do I figure out what my venture is worth?
This week is dedicated to understanding the methods and metrics used to determine the value of your startup.
Week 6: Common pitfalls - What should I watch out for to avoid common mistakes?
We will identify and analyze common pitfalls in entrepreneurial finance and provide practical advice on how to avoid these mistakes to ensure sustainable growth and success.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by industry-recognized Prof. Dr. Malte Brettel, who has published extensively on entrepreneurial finance and startups
Examines entrepreneurial finance issues relevant to startups, which are often overlooked in more general business finance courses
Provides practical advice on securing financing and avoiding common pitfalls, which can be invaluable for startup founders
Suitable as an introductory course for those with limited knowledge of entrepreneurial finance

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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 The Start-up CFO with these activities:
Form a study group with classmates or peers to discuss course topics
Enhance your understanding of course material by discussing and exchanging ideas with peers
Show steps
  • Identify classmates or peers who are interested in forming a study group
  • Set regular meeting times and locations
  • Prepare discussion topics or questions in advance
  • Take turns leading the discussions and facilitating the group
Read 'Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist'
Build a solid foundation in financing strategies and venture capital to make informed decisions in your start-up
View Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read Chapter 1: The Basics of Venture Capital
  • Summarize the different types of venture capital funds
  • Identify the key terms of a venture capital deal, including equity, liquidation preferences, and anti-dilution provisions
Follow online tutorials on business angel investment
Gain valuable insights into business angel investment strategies and the role of business angels in start-up financing
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online platforms or courses on business angel investment
  • Select a tutorial that aligns with your learning goals
  • Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises or assignments
Five other activities
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Solve problems and case studies on entrepreneurial finance
Strengthen your understanding of entrepreneurial finance concepts and develop your problem-solving skills
Browse courses on Entrepreneurial Finance
Show steps
  • Review lecture notes and materials
  • Identify practice problems or case studies
  • Solve the problems or case studies independently
  • Compare your solutions to those provided by the instructor or other students
Develop a financial model for your start-up
Develop a practical understanding of financial modeling and gain hands-on experience in applying it to your start-up
Browse courses on Financial Planning
Show steps
  • Identify the key financial assumptions for your start-up
  • Build a revenue model that projects your start-up's future revenue streams
  • Create a cost structure that outlines your start-up's fixed and variable costs
  • Develop a profit and loss statement that shows your start-up's profitability
  • Conduct sensitivity analysis to test different scenarios and assumptions
Prepare a pitch deck for potential investors
Learn how to effectively present your start-up to investors and increase your chances of securing funding
Browse courses on Pitch Deck
Show steps
  • Identify the key elements of a successful pitch deck
  • Create a compelling narrative that tells the story of your start-up
  • Develop financial projections that demonstrate the potential of your start-up
  • Practice your pitch and get feedback from mentors or peers
Attend networking events for entrepreneurs and investors
Expand your professional network, connect with potential investors, and learn from industry experts
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Research upcoming networking events in your area
  • Register for events that align with your interests
  • Prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself and your start-up
  • Attend the events and actively engage with other attendees
Write a blog post or article on the importance of CFOs in young companies
Gain a deeper understanding of the role of CFOs and effectively communicate your knowledge to others
Show steps
  • Research the role of CFOs in young companies
  • Identify the key responsibilities and challenges of CFOs
  • Outline the benefits of having a CFO in a young company
  • Write a blog post or article that presents your findings

Career center

Learners who complete The Start-up CFO will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

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Course image
Effort
2 to 3 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
RWTH Aachen University
Instructor
Prof. Dr. Malte Brettel
Session
October 1, 2024 - December 12, 2025
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Taught by industry-recognized Prof. Dr. Malte Brettel, who has published extensively on entrepreneurial finance and startups
Examines entrepreneurial finance issues relevant to startups, which are often overlooked in more general business finance courses
Provides practical advice on securing financing and avoiding common pitfalls, which can be invaluable for startup founders
Suitable as an introductory course for those with limited knowledge of entrepreneurial finance
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