The 1Mby1M Methodology is based on case studies. In this course, Sramana Mitra shares the tribal knowledge of tech entrepreneurs by giving students the rare seat at the table with the entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders who provide the most instructive perspectives on how to build a thriving business. Through these conversations, students gain access to case studies exploring the alleys of entrepreneurship. Sramana’s synthesis of key learnings and incisive analysis add great depth to each discussion.
Read more
The 1Mby1M Methodology is based on case studies. In this course, Sramana Mitra shares the tribal knowledge of tech entrepreneurs by giving students the rare seat at the table with the entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders who provide the most instructive perspectives on how to build a thriving business. Through these conversations, students gain access to case studies exploring the alleys of entrepreneurship. Sramana’s synthesis of key learnings and incisive analysis add great depth to each discussion.
The 1Mby1M Methodology is based on case studies. In this course, Sramana Mitra shares the tribal knowledge of tech entrepreneurs by giving students the rare seat at the table with the entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders who provide the most instructive perspectives on how to build a thriving business. Through these conversations, students gain access to case studies exploring the alleys of entrepreneurship. Sramana’s synthesis of key learnings and incisive analysis add great depth to each discussion.
Raising money is a low probability game. You need to understand how investors think to be able to raise money successfully for your startup.
During this course, I will be teaching how investors who are not chasing Unicorns think about and analyze startups. We will have in-depth conversations around startups with several real world investors.
Designed for tech entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs who may not be building a startup with Unicorn potential, this course provides insights into the minds of several investors operating in this space for many years in their own words.
Over the last decade and more, I’ve had the privilege of working with a large number of bootstrapped entrepreneurs. These include self-financed companies and also modestly capitalized startups that operate in a capital-efficient manner applying the principles of bootstrapping. I’ve also interviewed hundreds of investors, especially micro-VCs and angels who are playing in the early stage game.
As I expected, a large number of investors are still chasing Unicorns. However, I am pleased to report that I have spoken with a number of investors who recognize the niche opportunities and answer yes to my questions above. Yes, they are interested in investing small amounts and harvesting through smaller exits.
Join us to learn more.
The 1Mby1M courses are all heavily based on interview-based case studies on Innovation, Business Models, Go To Market Strategies, Validation Principles, and various other nuances of an entrepreneur's journey. We offer extensive opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn the lessons from the trenches from successful entrepreneurs who have done it before and Investors who support their ambition.
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Through in-depth interviews and case studies, gain insights on the alternatives to traditional unicron-chasing vcs.
- Why 99% of entrepreneurs who are seeking funding get rejected by vcs.
- Why traditional vcs only invest in hyper-growth startups with billion-dollar tams.
- What non-unicorn startups are and how investors think about them.
- What some of the key considerations for investors are when they evaluate startups.
- What bootstrapping to exit is and why it is important.
- How entrepreneurs can best position themselves for success when they are building non-unicorn startups.
- What some of the common mistakes are that entrepreneurs make when pitching their startups to vcs.
- What is the fastest way to find relevant sources of funding when building non-unicorn startups.
- Through in-depth interviews and case studies, gain insights on the alternatives to traditional unicron-chasing vcs.
- Why 99% of entrepreneurs who are seeking funding get rejected by vcs.
- Why traditional vcs only invest in hyper-growth startups with billion-dollar tams.
- What non-unicorn startups are and how investors think about them.
- What some of the key considerations for investors are when they evaluate startups.
- What bootstrapping to exit is and why it is important.
- How entrepreneurs can best position themselves for success when they are building non-unicorn startups.
- What some of the common mistakes are that entrepreneurs make when pitching their startups to vcs.
- What is the fastest way to find relevant sources of funding when building non-unicorn startups.
Syllabus
Learn how investors think about and analyze Unicorn and non-Unicorn startups.
Introduction
Entrepreneur - Investor Fit
Over the last decade and more, I’ve had the privilege of working with a large number of bootstrapped entrepreneurs. These include self-financed companies and also modestly capitalized startups that operate in a capital-efficient manner applying the principles of bootstrapping. I’ve also interviewed hundreds of investors, especially micro-VCs and angels who are playing and important role in the early stage game. In working through the current landscape of our industry, a few trends become evident. In this lecture, I highlight the importance of facilitating capital-efficient startups and smaller exits, including with small chunks of investment.
Read more
Syllabus
Over the last decade and more, I’ve had the privilege of working with a large number of bootstrapped entrepreneurs. These include self-financed companies and also modestly capitalized startups that operate in a capital-efficient manner applying the principles of bootstrapping. I’ve also interviewed hundreds of investors, especially micro-VCs and angels who are playing and important role in the early stage game. In working through the current landscape of our industry, a few trends become evident. In this lecture, I highlight the importance of facilitating capital-efficient startups and smaller exits, including with small chunks of investment.
Here I double-click down on the buy-side psychology of the B2E phenomenon.
Grain Co-founder and COO Carl Memnon discusses Grain’s FinTech innovation, and also some of the unique ways in which his company has been financed. Excellent conversation.
Bryce Roberts is Managing Director, O’Reilly AlphaTech Ventures (OATV), and Founder, Indie.vc. We cover the issues with the venture capital financing model, and explore alternatives.
Christopher Mirabile is Senior Managing Director at Launchpad Venture Group. We have an awesome conversation about a non-Unicorn chasing investment philosophy.
Naganand Doraswamy, Managing Partner and Founder at Ideaspring Capital, adds to our thesis on great investment opportunities within the sub $100 million exit space.
Joe Silver, CFO at Lighter Capital, discusses his firm’s debt-financing model for startups.
Kyle Asman is Managing Director at Backswing Ventures, a firm that has a non-Unicorn investment thesis.
Nitin Rai, Managing Director at Elevate Capital, makes a compelling case for investing in niche businesses with the upfront goal of scoring early exits. Excellent discussion!
Steve Beck, Managing Partner at Serra Ventures, discusses his firm’s non-Unicorn investment thesis. Refreshing to hear.
Mark Hasebroock is Founder at Dundee Venture Capital, based in Omaha, Nebraska. During this podcast interview, Mark discusses investing in the US Midwest. His firm likes small, capital-efficient deals and they are open to early exits
Shared as an external resource is the article about Freshworks that I discuss in this lecture as well as the following Bootstrapping to Exit case studies for you to learn from:
- Freshworks Has Acquired Nine Capital Efficient Startups
- Bootstrapping to Exit: TimeSlips CEO Mitch Russo
- Bootstrapping to Exit: Imagine Easy Solutions CEO Neal Taparia
- Bootstrapping, Fund Raising and Exit: Mads Jensen’s Journey with Sefaira
- Bootstrapping a Niche E-Commerce Business to Exit: Dara Greaney, CEO of BuyAutoParts.com
- Creative Bootstrapping To A 350 Million Dollar Exit: Nimsoft CEO Gary Read
- Scaling to a $700M Exit: Zain Jaffer, CEO of Vungle
- Long Journey to a $435M Exit: Bytemobile Cofounders Chris Koopmans and Nicholas Stavrakos
- From Friends and Family Funding to $30 Million Exit: Vertical Response Founder Janine Popick
Please pick your favorite case studies from the course and run them through a validation and positioning exercise. Use the 1Mby1M Self-Assessment questionnaire and try to answer each question in it.
Traffic lights
Save this course
Save
Reviews summary
Insights into non-unicorn startup funding
Sramana's synthesis adds clarity.
Offers a realistic view beyond Unicorns.
Direct insights from diverse investors.
Activities
Review Bootstrapping Principles
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of bootstrapping principles to better grasp the course's focus on alternatives to traditional VC funding.
Browse courses on
Bootstrapping
Show steps
-
Review articles and blog posts on bootstrapping strategies.
-
Summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of bootstrapping.
-
Identify companies that have successfully bootstrapped.
Read 'The Lean Startup' by Eric Ries
Show steps
Understand the Lean Startup methodology to appreciate the importance of capital efficiency and validated learning.
View
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
-
Identify how the Lean Startup principles apply to non-Unicorn startups.
-
Discuss the book's relevance with other entrepreneurs.
Discuss Case Studies with Peers
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the case studies presented in the course by discussing them with peers and sharing insights.
Show steps
-
Form a study group with other students.
-
Select a case study from the course.
-
Analyze the case study and identify key takeaways.
-
Share your insights with the group and discuss.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write a Blog Post on Bootstrapping to Exit
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of bootstrapping to exit strategies by writing a blog post summarizing key concepts and examples.
Show steps
-
Research successful bootstrapping to exit stories.
-
Outline the key steps involved in bootstrapping to exit.
-
Write a blog post summarizing your findings.
-
Share your blog post on social media.
Read 'Built to Sell' by John Warrillow
Show steps
Learn how to build a business with the intention of selling it, aligning with the course's focus on exit strategies.
View
The Art of Selling Your Business: Winning...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and identify key strategies for building a sellable business.
-
Apply the book's principles to a hypothetical startup.
-
Discuss the book's relevance with other entrepreneurs.
Develop a Pitch Deck for a Non-Unicorn Startup
Show steps
Apply the course's learnings by creating a pitch deck for a non-Unicorn startup, focusing on its unique value proposition and potential for a smaller exit.
Show steps
-
Identify a niche market with a clear need.
-
Develop a business model that addresses the need in a capital-efficient manner.
-
Create a pitch deck highlighting the startup's value proposition and exit strategy.
-
Present your pitch deck to potential investors or mentors.
Attend Angel Investor Meetups
Show steps
Connect with angel investors and micro-VCs to learn about their investment criteria and build relationships for potential funding opportunities.
Show steps
-
Research angel investor groups in your area.
-
Attend a meetup and introduce yourself to investors.
-
Ask questions about their investment preferences and portfolio companies.
-
Follow up with investors who seem like a good fit for your startup.
Review Bootstrapping Principles
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of bootstrapping principles to better grasp the course's focus on alternatives to traditional VC funding.
Browse courses on
Bootstrapping
Show steps
- Review articles and blog posts on bootstrapping strategies.
- Summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of bootstrapping.
- Identify companies that have successfully bootstrapped.
Read 'The Lean Startup' by Eric Ries
Show steps
Understand the Lean Startup methodology to appreciate the importance of capital efficiency and validated learning.
View
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
- Identify how the Lean Startup principles apply to non-Unicorn startups.
- Discuss the book's relevance with other entrepreneurs.
Discuss Case Studies with Peers
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the case studies presented in the course by discussing them with peers and sharing insights.
Show steps
- Form a study group with other students.
- Select a case study from the course.
- Analyze the case study and identify key takeaways.
- Share your insights with the group and discuss.
Write a Blog Post on Bootstrapping to Exit
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of bootstrapping to exit strategies by writing a blog post summarizing key concepts and examples.
Show steps
- Research successful bootstrapping to exit stories.
- Outline the key steps involved in bootstrapping to exit.
- Write a blog post summarizing your findings.
- Share your blog post on social media.
Read 'Built to Sell' by John Warrillow
Show steps
Learn how to build a business with the intention of selling it, aligning with the course's focus on exit strategies.
View
The Art of Selling Your Business: Winning...
on Amazon
Show steps
- Read the book and identify key strategies for building a sellable business.
- Apply the book's principles to a hypothetical startup.
- Discuss the book's relevance with other entrepreneurs.
Develop a Pitch Deck for a Non-Unicorn Startup
Show steps
Apply the course's learnings by creating a pitch deck for a non-Unicorn startup, focusing on its unique value proposition and potential for a smaller exit.
Show steps
- Identify a niche market with a clear need.
- Develop a business model that addresses the need in a capital-efficient manner.
- Create a pitch deck highlighting the startup's value proposition and exit strategy.
- Present your pitch deck to potential investors or mentors.
Attend Angel Investor Meetups
Show steps
Connect with angel investors and micro-VCs to learn about their investment criteria and build relationships for potential funding opportunities.
Show steps
- Research angel investor groups in your area.
- Attend a meetup and introduce yourself to investors.
- Ask questions about their investment preferences and portfolio companies.
- Follow up with investors who seem like a good fit for your startup.
Career center
Angel Investor
Startup Consultant
Venture Capital Analyst
Investment Banking Analyst
Private Equity Associate
Corporate Strategy Manager
Management Consultant
Business Development Manager
Business Analyst
Product Manager
Fund Manager
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Market Research Analyst
Financial Analyst
Reading list
Share
Similar courses
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
