Getting Started with Technology Startups from Coursera

This course describes what it means to be an entrepreneur and clarifies some of the distinguishing characteristics of technology entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial concepts, processes, & support systems are introduced from a holistic perspective. Methods and strategies for idea and opportunity recognition and development are provided to help identify new product ideas and solutions. Core concepts introduced include market gap analysis, sustainable competitive advantage, vision, mission, and customer value proposition.

Getting Started with Startups 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.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Technology Entrepreneurship

This session introduces the concept and practice of technology entrepreneurship and what it means to be an entrepreneur. Myths and benefits of entrepreneurship are reviewed, and entrepreneurial thinking is presented. The ability to fulfill a personal sense of purpose that makes a positive impact on the world is viewed from an entrepreneurial perspective.

Entrepreneurial Mindset--Self-efficacy, Leadership, Perspectives, Orientation, and Support

Foundational entrepreneurial concepts, processes, & support systems are examined including the entrepreneurial mindset, self-efficacy, and the capacity to hold multiple perspectives. The concept of entrepreneurial orientation and self-assessment provide a basis for identifying motivators and supports for developing new product and service ideas.

Idea and Opportunity Recognition

This session introduces some of the options, methods, and strategies for recognizing new product or service ideas and opportunities. Market gap analysis is combined with a personal skills and resource inventory approach to identifying customer problems and unmet needs. Learners will propose their initial ideas for a new product offering to be used in course projects.

Idea and Opportunity Development

This session introduces key concepts, tools, and methods for developing new product ideas and opportunities. Design thinking is introduced, and the internal and external dimensions of the entrepreneurial landscape are reviewed. The meaning and importance of establishing a sustainable competitive advantage is presented. Learners will review, revise, and refine their initial ideas for a new product offering and describe a customer value proposition.

The concepts of entrepreneurial vision and mission are introduced and a method for their design is presented. The relationship between vision, mission, and business strategy is explained and an overview a basic business model is provided. Learners are guided to construct vision, mission, and strategy statements for their new venture.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the concept of technology entrepreneurship, clarifying its distinguishing characteristics and the cyclical nature of venture creation

Teaches Entrepreneurial Concepts, which are foundational to starting and operating a technology

Develops skills in opportunity and idea recognition, which are core skills for business founders

Covers market gap analysis, a critical skill for founders and marketers to identify unmet needs

Examines methods for idea development and how founders can establish a sustainable competitive advantage

Offers a practical framework for constructing vision, mission, and strategy statements for new ventures

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 Getting Started with Technology Startups with these activities:

Review business planning basics

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Refresh foundational knowledge in business planning to build a strong foundation for success in this startup course.

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Review core concepts of business planning, such as market analysis, competitive advantage, and financial projections.
Identify key elements of a business plan and their purpose.
Analyze case studies of successful business plans.

Curate a list of resources for entrepreneurs

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Compile a valuable collection of resources, tools, and articles to support your learning journey as an entrepreneur.

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Identify relevant topics and categories for your resource list.
Explore online resources, databases, and industry publications to gather high-quality content.
Organize and categorize the resources in a user-friendly format.
Share your resource list with other entrepreneurs or publish it on a platform for wider access.

Develop a problem statement using customer feedback

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Practice identifying customer needs and translating them into clear and concise problem statements, a crucial skill for entrepreneurs.

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Gather customer feedback through surveys, interviews, or social media listening.
Analyze customer feedback to identify common pain points and unmet needs.
Develop a problem statement that clearly defines the customer's problem and the desired solution.

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Attend a startup pitch event

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Gain exposure to the startup ecosystem and connect with potential mentors, investors, and collaborators by attending a pitch event.

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Research upcoming startup pitch events in your area.
Prepare an elevator pitch for your startup idea or a business concept you're interested in.
Attend the event, actively network with attendees, and participate in Q&A sessions.

Participate in a peer mentoring program

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Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring other aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

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Join or start a peer mentoring program within a startup community or university.
Match with a mentee who aligns with your expertise and interests.
Provide guidance, support, and feedback to your mentee on their startup journey.

Develop a business model canvas for a startup idea

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Apply the business model canvas framework to structure and refine your startup idea, improving its clarity and feasibility.

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Identify the key building blocks of your business model, including customer segments, value proposition, and revenue streams.
Fill out the business model canvas template, mapping out each element and its relationship to others.
Validate assumptions and test hypotheses by seeking feedback from potential customers, mentors, or investors.

Design a prototype of a new product or service

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Apply design thinking principles to create a tangible representation of a new product or service idea to enhance understanding and gain feedback.

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Brainstorm and sketch out initial design concepts.
Select a promising concept and develop a low-fidelity prototype using materials like paper, cardboard, or digital tools.
Present the prototype to potential users for feedback and revise the design based on their input.

Write an executive summary for a potential investor

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Condense your startup idea into a compelling and concise executive summary, a key document for attracting investors and securing funding.

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Craft a clear and concise statement of the problem your startup aims to solve.
Describe your proposed solution, highlighting its unique value proposition and competitive advantage.
Outline your target market, business model, and financial projections.
End with a strong call to action, inviting the investor to learn more or take a specific action.

Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started with Technology Startups will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Technology Entrepreneur

Technology Entrepreneurs identify and exploit opportunities, developing new products and services to meet unmet customer needs. This course provides a solid foundation in entrepreneurial concepts, processes, and support systems, helping you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Technology Entrepreneur. You'll learn about market gap analysis, sustainable competitive advantage, and customer value proposition, which are essential for developing successful technology ventures.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for developing and managing products from concept to launch. They identify customer needs, define product specifications, and oversee the development and launch of new products. This course provides a strong foundation in product development, market analysis, and customer value proposition, which are essential for success as a Product Manager. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which will help you develop successful products that meet customer needs.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They identify target markets, develop marketing strategies, and manage marketing budgets. This course provides a solid foundation in market analysis, customer value proposition, and entrepreneurial mindset, which are essential for success as a Marketing Manager. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which will help you develop effective marketing campaigns that reach your target audience.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers identify and develop new business opportunities for companies. They build relationships with potential customers, develop sales strategies, and close deals. This course provides a strong foundation in entrepreneurial mindset, opportunity recognition, and customer value proposition, which are essential for success as a Business Development Manager. You'll learn about idea generation, market gap analysis, and sustainable competitive advantage, which will help you identify and develop new business opportunities.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and support to businesses on a variety of topics, including strategy, operations, and marketing. They help businesses identify and solve problems, improve efficiency, and grow revenue. This course provides a solid foundation in entrepreneurial mindset, problem-solving, and customer value proposition, which are essential for success as a Consultant. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which will help you develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of your clients.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. They provide funding, mentorship, and support to help these companies succeed. This course provides a strong foundation in entrepreneurial mindset, investment analysis, and customer value proposition, which are essential for success as a Venture Capitalist. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which will help you identify and invest in promising new ventures.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice and services to companies and governments. They help companies raise capital, merge with other companies, and make other financial decisions. This course provides a solid foundation in financial analysis, investment analysis, and customer value proposition, which are essential for success as an Investment Banker. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which will help you develop innovative financial solutions for your clients.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide financial advice and analysis to individuals and businesses. They help clients make investment decisions, manage risk, and plan for the future. This course provides a solid foundation in financial analysis, investment analysis, and customer value proposition, which are essential for success as a Financial Analyst. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which will help you develop innovative financial solutions for your clients.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. They use statistical techniques and data visualization tools to identify trends, patterns, and insights. This course provides a solid foundation in data analysis, problem-solving, and customer value proposition, which are essential for success as a Data Analyst. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which will help you develop innovative data-driven solutions for your clients.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They use programming languages and software development tools to create software that meets the needs of users. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to develop a better understanding of entrepreneurial concepts, processes, and support systems. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which can help you develop innovative software solutions that meet the needs of your users.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create websites that are visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to develop a better understanding of entrepreneurial concepts, processes, and support systems. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which can help you develop innovative web solutions that meet the needs of your users.

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Mobile App Developer

Mobile App Developers design, develop, and maintain mobile applications. They use programming languages and software development tools to create mobile apps that are visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly. This course may be useful for Mobile App Developers who want to develop a better understanding of entrepreneurial concepts, processes, and support systems. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which can help you develop innovative mobile app solutions that meet the needs of your users.

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User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers design and evaluate user interfaces for websites and mobile apps. They use research and design techniques to create user interfaces that are visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly. This course may be useful for User Experience Designers who want to develop a better understanding of entrepreneurial concepts, processes, and support systems. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which can help you develop innovative user experience solutions that meet the needs of your users.

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Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual content for websites, mobile apps, and other media. They use design software and techniques to create visual content that is visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly. This course may be useful for Graphic Designers who want to develop a better understanding of entrepreneurial concepts, processes, and support systems. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which can help you develop innovative graphic design solutions that meet the needs of your clients.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain documentation for software, hardware, and other technical products. They use writing and design techniques to create documentation that is clear, concise, and user-friendly. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who want to develop a better understanding of entrepreneurial concepts, processes, and support systems. You'll learn about idea generation, opportunity recognition, and sustainable competitive advantage, which can help you develop innovative technical writing solutions that meet the needs of your clients.

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