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John E. Thomas

The course starts by exploring entrepreneurial ecosystems and systems thinking. The Technology Adoption Life Cycle is introduced to help explain market dynamics and support developing business strategy. Market research concepts and tools are presented that learners will apply to their course projects. Founder, key manager, and board member considerations are examined, and the qualities of effective leadership are reviewed. The operational structures and processes of a tech startup are identified, and the Balanced Scorecard is presented as a tool for tracking critical performance metrics. Learners will create a first draft of Product, Market, and Management & Operations Plans for their new product or service ideas.

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The course starts by exploring entrepreneurial ecosystems and systems thinking. The Technology Adoption Life Cycle is introduced to help explain market dynamics and support developing business strategy. Market research concepts and tools are presented that learners will apply to their course projects. Founder, key manager, and board member considerations are examined, and the qualities of effective leadership are reviewed. The operational structures and processes of a tech startup are identified, and the Balanced Scorecard is presented as a tool for tracking critical performance metrics. Learners will create a first draft of Product, Market, and Management & Operations Plans for their new product or service ideas.

Creating a Startup Company can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
The first session presents the startup business environment as a complex ecosystem. Entrepreneurial systems thinking is introduced along with a whole company perspective. Value chains and supply chains are reviewed, and the five stages of the technology adoption life cycle are examined.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches entrepreneurship, which is transferable to most industries
Emphasizes applying theory to real-world settings
Helps learners develop management skills, which are essential in the professional sector
Taught by experienced professionals, who can provide insights and guidance
Requires significant work outside of class, which may not be suitable for all learners
Does not provide hands-on experience in starting a business

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Reviews summary

Foundational guide to tech startups

According to students, this course offers a solid and comprehensive foundation for anyone looking to understand or launch a technology startup. Learners frequently commend its coverage of essential areas, from entrepreneurial ecosystems and business models to market research and operational planning. Many find the content highly practical and actionable, appreciating the introduction of frameworks like the Balanced Scorecard. While consistently praised for its clear structure and beginner-friendliness, some suggest more experienced entrepreneurs might find it less in-depth on advanced topics.
Delivered by knowledgeable instructors with clear explanations.
"The instructors were very clear and engaging, making the complex topics easy to digest."
"I found the teaching style effective and the examples provided were highly relevant to tech startups."
"Their experience shines through, offering valuable insights that you can't get from a textbook alone."
Perfectly suited for those new to entrepreneurship or tech management.
"As an engineer with no prior business background, this course made complex startup concepts accessible."
"It’s a great starting point for someone considering their first venture into the tech startup scene."
"I feel much more confident now about moving into a leadership role after completing this course."
Offers actionable tools and methods for real-world application.
"The Balanced Scorecard was a game-changer for me; I immediately applied it to my business idea."
"I learned practical tools for market segmentation and competitive analysis that I can use right away."
"This course provided invaluable frameworks for creating robust Product, Market, and Management plans."
A strong introduction to the multifaceted world of tech startups.
"This course truly provides a holistic view of starting a tech company, from initial concept to operations."
"I appreciated how it covers entrepreneurial ecosystems, market dynamics, and leadership all in one place."
"It's a fantastic introduction to the entire process of launching a new technology venture."
May lack advanced detail for seasoned entrepreneurs or specialists.
"While great for foundational knowledge, I found myself wishing for deeper dives into specific legal or funding aspects."
"For someone with years of startup experience, parts of the course felt like a review rather than new learning."
"I was hoping for more advanced strategies beyond the introductory concepts, but it's still a good refresher."

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 Creating a Technology Startup Company with these activities:
Review the book 'The Lean Startup'
Reading and reviewing 'The Lean Startup' will provide the learner with foundational knowledge on the principles and practices of lean startup methodologies, which are essential for building successful technology startups.
Show steps
  • Read and critically analyze the book's key concepts and real-world examples
  • Reflect on how lean startup principles can be applied to your own startup ideas
Review notes from previous engineering courses
Recalling definitions, principles, and processes from previous engineering courses will refresh foundational knowledge and strengthen the learner's understanding of technology adoption and startup creation.
Browse courses on Engineering Concepts
Show steps
  • Gather notes and materials from relevant prior engineering courses
  • Review notes, focusing on core concepts and principles
  • Identify areas where knowledge is lacking and consider additional research or review
Follow online tutorials on financial modeling and forecasting
Engaging in online tutorials on financial modeling and forecasting will equip the learner with practical skills in analyzing financial data, predicting trends, and making informed decisions for their technology startup.
Browse courses on Financial Modeling
Show steps
  • Identify and enroll in reputable online tutorials on financial modeling and forecasting
  • Complete the tutorials and practice the techniques demonstrated
  • Apply the skills to real-world scenarios or business case studies
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Solve case studies on business model development
Applying business model concepts to real-world scenarios through case studies will deepen the learner's understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in developing effective business models for technology startups.
Browse courses on Business Models
Show steps
  • Read and analyze business case studies provided in the course materials or from external sources
  • Identify key business model components and analyze their effectiveness
  • Develop alternative business models or improvements based on the analysis
Attend a workshop on startup pitching and presentation skills
Participating in a workshop on startup pitching and presentation skills will equip the learner with the essential techniques and confidence to effectively communicate their ideas to potential investors and stakeholders.
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a relevant workshop on startup pitching and presentation skills
  • Actively participate in the workshop, practice pitching techniques, and receive feedback
  • Incorporate the learned skills into your own startup pitch and presentations
Participate in peer review of business plan drafts
Collaborating with peers to review and provide feedback on business plan drafts will foster critical thinking, improve communication skills, and enhance the learner's ability to identify and address weaknesses in their startup plans.
Browse courses on Business Plan
Show steps
  • Form peer review groups with other learners in the course
  • Exchange business plan drafts and provide constructive feedback
  • Incorporate feedback and revise business plans to improve their quality
Create a prototype for a minimum viable product (MVP)
Building a basic prototype of a potential product will provide the learner with hands-on experience in translating ideas into tangible solutions, fostering a deeper understanding of product development and customer validation.
Browse courses on Minimum Viable Product
Show steps
  • Define the core features and functionality of the MVP
  • Design and develop a prototype using appropriate software or tools
  • Test and evaluate the prototype with target users or potential customers
  • Iterate and refine the prototype based on feedback and user insights

Career center

Learners who complete Creating a Technology Startup Company will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Entrepreneur
An Entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs their own business. They are responsible for all aspects of the business, from developing the product or service to marketing and sales. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Entrepreneurs who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. They work closely with other engineers to create software that is efficient, reliable, and user-friendly. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about the process of developing and launching a new software product.
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. They work closely with engineering, marketing, and sales teams to ensure that the product meets the needs of the market and is successful. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Product Managers who want to learn more about the process of developing and launching a new product.
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company. They work closely with other departments to ensure that the company is running smoothly and efficiently. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Operations Managers who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Chief Technology Officer
A Chief Technology Officer, or CTO, is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of technology within a company. They work closely with the executive team to develop the company's technology strategy and ensure that it is aligned with the company's overall business goals. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for CTOs who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager is responsible for developing and implementing business strategies for a company. They work closely with sales and marketing teams to identify and develop new business opportunities. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Business Development Managers who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies for a company. They work closely with sales and product teams to create marketing campaigns that reach the target market and drive sales. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Marketing Managers who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager is responsible for leading and motivating a sales team. They work closely with the sales team to develop and implement sales strategies and drive revenue. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Sales Managers who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to identify trends and patterns. They work closely with other scientists and engineers to develop solutions to real-world problems. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Consultant
A Consultant is responsible for providing advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of topics. They work closely with clients to identify their needs and develop solutions to their problems. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Consultants who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst is responsible for analyzing financial data and providing recommendations to businesses. They work closely with senior management to make decisions about investments, acquisitions, and other financial matters. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Financial Analysts who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Researcher
A Researcher is responsible for conducting research and developing new products and technologies. They work closely with other scientists and engineers to develop solutions to real-world problems. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Researchers who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Customer Success Manager
A Customer Success Manager is responsible for ensuring that customers are satisfied with a company's products and services. They work closely with customers to identify their needs and ensure that they are getting the most value from the company's offerings. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Customer Success Managers who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer is responsible for creating written materials that explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences. They work closely with engineers and other technical experts to translate complex information into clear and concise language. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Technical Writers who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.
Human Resources Manager
A Human Resources Manager is responsible for managing the human resources department of a company. They work closely with other departments to ensure that the company is meeting its legal obligations and that employees are treated fairly and respectfully. The Creating a Technology Startup Company course can be helpful for Human Resources Managers who want to learn more about the process of starting and growing a technology company.

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Creating a Technology Startup Company.
Provides a practical guide to building a successful startup using the lean methodology. It is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who are looking to launch a new product or service.
Provides a comprehensive guide to building a successful startup. It is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who are looking for a step-by-step approach.
Provides a step-by-step guide to acquiring customers for a new startup. It is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who are looking to scale their business.
Provides a practical guide to using the lean product development process. It is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who are looking to build products that meet the needs of their customers.
Provides a unique perspective on the startup world from one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time. It is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who are looking to think big.
Explores the challenges that large companies face when they are trying to innovate. It is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who are looking to understand the competitive landscape.
Explores the challenges of marketing and selling technology products to mainstream customers. It is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who are looking to scale their business.
This novel parable about the challenges of software development in the modern age. It is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who are looking to build a successful technology company.
Explores the culture of successful teams and organizations. It is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who are looking to build a strong and cohesive team.
This classic book on strategy is still relevant today for entrepreneurs who are looking to compete in a competitive market.
Provides a framework for developing a good strategy. It is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who are looking to create a sustainable business.

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