Entrepreneurship from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 - Ideation for Startups

Hi there! Every startup, every business, and every innovation begin the same way: with an idea. While there is no recipe for a good business idea, there are some methods, concepts and tools that can help us become more creative managers. In this module we will go over the course structure and discuss how new business ideas emerge and can be materialized into real products and companies.

Week 2 - The Customer Value Proposition

Every company in the world, large or small, traditional or innovative, has the same fundamental challenge: creating value to their customers. In this module we will take a deep dive to understand how innovations actually create value to people and how to structure our thinking about this key activity in management.

MVPs and Prototypes

Products and services are not born ready to be sold. They begin as initial prototypes, crude versions of the final solution envisioned by the innovator. In this module we will understand the importance of prototypes and early versions in the process of uncertainty management that guides the work of entrepreneurs and innovation managers.

Startup Financing

Money rules the world. For startups, it's no different. It is not enough to have a good solution and to create value to the customers, you will always need to capture part of that value and generate more revenues than costs and expenses. So in this module we will talk about the financial validation of a new venture and how startups finance their own operations in the first years of operation.

Week 5 - The Art of the Pitch

A good innovation requires good communication. Whether you are pitching to your colleagues, your investors, or your customers, the reality is that a good presentation matters and can be the difference between success and failure. In this module we will look at some ways to structure your presentation for a new solution in a business environment.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to the core concepts of business ideation, planning, and execution, which are fundamental skills for business and management professions

Suitable for individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset and who are keen on starting their own ventures

Teaches essential skills for navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and driving innovation in the ever-changing business landscape

Delves into the importance of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, providing a well-rounded learning experience

Facilitated by instructors with experience in the field, ensuring learners have access to up-to-date industry knowledge

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 Entrepreneurship with these activities:

Review startup ideas

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Review different startup ideas to prepare yourself for ideation

Browse courses on Startup Ideas

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Explore online resources for startup ideas
Attend startup events and meetups
Read books and articles about successful startups

Practice identifying customer value propositions

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Identify customer value propositions for different businesses

Browse courses on Customer Value Proposition

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Choose a business or product you are familiar with
Identify the key customer segment
Define the customer's needs and pain points
Develop a value proposition that addresses these needs

Create a business plan

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Develop a comprehensive business plan for your startup idea

Browse courses on Business Plan

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Conduct market research and analysis
Define your target customer
Develop your product or service
Create a financial plan
Write your business plan

Two other activities

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Volunteer at a startup incubator or accelerator

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Gain practical experience in the startup environment

Browse courses on Entrepreneurship

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Research different startup incubators and accelerators
Apply to the programs that are the best fit for you
积极参与 incubators or accelerators 的活动和项目

Launch your own startup

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Apply the knowledge and skills you have gained to launch your own startup

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Validate your business idea
Develop a business plan
Build your team
Raise funding
Launch your business

Career center

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

Venture Capitalist

Venture capitalists provide funding to early-stage companies with high growth potential. They may assist in business planning, financial management, and strategic planning. This course may be useful for individuals who want to pursue a career in venture capital, as it provides a foundation in investment analysis, due diligence, and portfolio management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Venture Capitalist

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are individuals who start and run their own businesses. They may develop new products or services, create new markets, and generate employment. This course may be beneficial for individuals who want to pursue a career in entrepreneurship, as it provides a foundation in business planning, market research, and venture capital.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Non-profit Manager

Non-profit managers are responsible for leading and managing non-profit organizations. They work closely with staff, volunteers, and donors to achieve the organization's mission. This course may be beneficial for individuals who want to pursue a career in non-profit management, as it provides a foundation in non-profit leadership, fundraising, and program development.

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Angel Investor

Angel investors are individuals who provide funding to early-stage companies. They may assist in business planning, financial management, and strategic planning. This course may be useful for individuals who want to pursue a career in angel investing, as it provides a foundation in investment analysis, due diligence, and portfolio management.

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Private Equity Investor

Private equity investors provide funding to private companies. They may assist in business planning, financial management, and strategic planning. This course may be useful for individuals who want to pursue a career in private equity, as it provides a foundation in investment analysis, due diligence, and portfolio management.

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Social Entrepreneur

Social entrepreneurs are individuals who use business principles to solve social problems. They may develop new products or services, create new markets, and generate employment. This course may be beneficial for individuals who want to pursue a career in social entrepreneurship, as it provides a foundation in business planning, market research, and venture capital.

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Operations Manager

Operations managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business. They work closely with other部門 to ensure that all aspects of the business are running smoothly. This course may be beneficial for individuals who want to pursue a career in operations management, as it provides a foundation in operations planning, process improvement, and quality control.

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Business Analyst

Business analysts gather and analyze data to identify business problems and opportunities. They work with stakeholders to develop solutions that improve business processes and operations. This course may be useful for individuals who want to pursue a career in business analysis, as it provides a foundation in data analysis, problem solving, and solution design.

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Financial Analyst

Financial analysts provide financial advice and support to companies and investors. They may assist in financial planning, investment analysis, and portfolio management. This course may be useful for individuals who want to pursue a career in financial analysis, as it provides a foundation in financial modeling, valuation, and risk assessment.

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Project Manager

Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work closely with stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to scope. This course may be beneficial for individuals who want to pursue a career in project management, as it provides a foundation in project planning, execution, and stakeholder management.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They work closely with product development, sales, and customer service teams to ensure that marketing efforts are aligned with business objectives. This course may be beneficial for individuals who want to pursue a career in marketing management, as it provides a foundation in marketing principles, consumer behavior, and campaign planning.

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Sales Manager

Sales managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams to achieve revenue targets. They work closely with marketing and product development teams to ensure that sales strategies are aligned with business objectives. This course may be beneficial for individuals who want to pursue a career in sales management, as it provides a foundation in sales techniques, customer relationship management, and team leadership.

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Product Manager

Product managers are responsible for the development, launch, and marketing of new products. They work closely with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to ensure that products meet customer needs and are successful in the marketplace. This course may be useful for individuals who want to pursue a career in product management, as it provides a foundation in product development, market research, and customer segmentation.

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Investment Banker

Investment bankers provide financial advisory services to companies and governments. They may assist in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions. This course may be beneficial for individuals who want to pursue a career in investment banking, as it provides a foundation in financial analysis, valuation, and deal structuring.

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Consultant

Consultants support and advise businesses on a variety of topics, from strategic planning to financial management to information technology. This course may be useful for individuals who want to pursue a career in consulting, as it provides a foundation in business concepts and analytical methods that are essential for success in this field.

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