We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Chris Haroun | 1.5 Million Students | #1 Best Selling Business & Finance Prof.

#1 Best Selling Fundraising Course on Udemy. According to Business Insider: "Haroun is one of the highest rated professors on Udemy, so you can expect to be in good hands through the course of your education."

This course willteach you everything you need to know about raising money from anyone, including venture capital firms from an award winning business school professor, venture capitalist, entrepreneur and author including:

Read more

#1 Best Selling Fundraising Course on Udemy. According to Business Insider: "Haroun is one of the highest rated professors on Udemy, so you can expect to be in good hands through the course of your education."

This course willteach you everything you need to know about raising money from anyone, including venture capital firms from an award winning business school professor, venture capitalist, entrepreneur and author including:

  • Learn the secrets of networking and how to get a meeting with almost anyone.
  • Learn how to pitch your business model to anyone including venture capital firms.
  • Learn what you should and should not include in your presentation slides.
  • Learn how to present your business model like Steve Jobs.
  • Learn how to turn "no" into "yes".

...and much more.

Chris has over 20 years of experience in raising money, starting companies and advising companies including work experience at Goldman Sachs and founding several companies. He has raised over $1bn. He has an MBA in finance from Columbia University and he is an award winning business school professor and frequent guest lecturer at Stanford and Berkeley. He lives in the San Francisco Bay area and he is a partner at a prominent venture capital firm. Chris has written numerous articles in VentureBeat, Entrepreneur Magazine, Wired Magazine, AlleyWatch, Pulse as well as an interview on venture capital on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) which is Hong Kong's oldest and sole public service broadcaster.

Thank you,Chris Haroun

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • #1 best selling fundraising course on udemy!​
  • Dramatically increase your chances of raising money (22 lessons taught by an award winning graduate business school professor, venture capitalist, author and entrepreneur).
  • Understand how to raise money from high net worth investors, venture capitalists and strategics/corporations.
  • Understand how to present like steve jobs to investors.
  • Understand what to include in your pitch presentation to investors.
  • Understand how to network and get meetings with potential investors.

Syllabus

Raising Money Overview
Thank You Message from Chris

I have raised over $1bn in my career with work experience at Goldman Sachs, a few hedge funds, companies I have started and also as a venture capitalist, which is my current profession. I am also an award winning graduate school finance and management professor.

Read more

Course overview. At the end of this course you will know how to get meetings with the right people and how to present with the right money raising content. The goal of this course is to materially increase your chances of raising money from high net worth investors, venture capital firms and corporations.

Relationships are more important than product knowledge. Learn how to leverage your university, graduate school and high school in order to get investor meetings with people you have never met before.

People from similar backgrounds really want to help you! You need to ask for help. Ask and you shall receive.

Networking with people that worked at the same company you used to work for is a worthwhile money raising networking strategy.

Quiz covering networking best practices.

Part 2 of a 3 part series on how to give incredible investor presentations.

Part 3 of a 3 part series on how to give incredible investor presentations.

Less is more. Simple secrets on what high net worth investors, venture capitalists and strategic investors like to see in your investor presentation.

Quiz on various investor presentation topics.

As a venture capitalist, I see hundreds of presentations each year. Learn what most venture capital firms are looking for when deciding whether or not to invest in a company.

Strategic/corporate investors have different investment objectives than venture capital or high net worth investors.

High net worth investors require a different investor pitch approach.

Quiz covering some of the most important qualities that investors are looking for.

Networking never ends : )

Turning a weakness into a strength; how to deal with "no" from an investor.

Marc Zuckerberg wasn't experienced when he launched Facebook. What can you do to have investors take you more seriously? How can you give investors comfort that you and your team have enough experience to succeed?

Part 1 of a 2 part series on crucial legal issues to consider when raising money.

Part 2 of a 2 part series on crucial legal issues to consider when raising money.

Venture capital only exists in the US because of Sputnik. Learn the fascinating history of the VC sector and why so many Silicon Valley entrepreneurs 'think different'.

I have met with Bill Gates and many other successful entrepreneurs. Learn the 3 things all incredibly successful entrepreneurs have in common.

Questions covering various topics from Section 6.

Congratulations on finishing the course! Please send me a message if I can help you with your goals. Thanks!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches networking strategies to connect with potential investors, which is essential for securing funding and building relationships in the venture capital world
Explores how to craft and deliver compelling investor presentations, drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs' presentation style, which can significantly improve fundraising outcomes
Examines the nuances of pitching to different investor types, including high net worth individuals, corporations, and venture capital firms, which is crucial for tailoring your approach
Taught by an instructor with experience at Goldman Sachs and as a venture capitalist, which provides practical insights into the fundraising process
Addresses legal issues related to fundraising, which is important for ensuring compliance and protecting the interests of both the company and its investors
Requires learners to understand the history of venture capital, which may not be directly applicable to fundraising but provides context for the industry

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical fundraising guidance from a vc

According to learners, this course provides practical, actionable advice directly from a highly experienced venture capitalist and professor. Students particularly highlight the invaluable insights on pitching, presentation slides, and effective networking to secure investor meetings. While some find the course concise, appreciating its efficiency, a few note it might serve better as a broad overview and could lack depth for complex scenarios or experienced individuals, suggesting it's well-suited for aspiring or new founders seeking a solid foundation. Overall, reviews indicate the course offers tremendous value for those looking to raise capital.
Secrets to connect with potential investors
"I learned so much about... actually getting meetings."
"The sections on pitching and networking were particularly helpful."
"I found the networking tips useful..."
Effective guidance on investor decks
"I learned so much about tailoring my pitch deck and actually getting meetings."
"The sections on pitching and networking were particularly helpful."
"The tips on presentation slides and how to handle Q&A are gold."
"The presentation tips were excellent."
Strategies you can use right away
"The advice is incredibly practical and actionable."
"This isn't just theory; it's practical advice from someone who has done it."
"His courses are always packed with practical, real-world knowledge."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately."
Highly recommended for entrepreneurs
"Highly recommended!"
"Worth every penny."
"A must-take!"
"Highly recommend for anyone looking to raise capital."
Learn from a seasoned VC and professor
"Chris Haroun is simply the best. His real-world experience as a VC and entrepreneur shines through."
"Fantastic course! Chris shares invaluable insights gained from years in the trenches."
"Informative course with great insights from a successful VC."
"Learn from a successful VC and professor."
Comprehensive but sometimes lacks detail
"The course is quite concise, which is good... but it might lack depth for more complex scenarios."
"It's a decent introduction, but I expected more in-depth VC insights."
"Good for beginners... maybe not for experienced folks."

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 Fundraising Advice from a Successful Venture Capitalist with these activities:
Review Venture Capital Basics
Solidify your understanding of venture capital fundamentals to better grasp the nuances of fundraising strategies discussed in the course.
Browse courses on Venture Capital
Show steps
  • Research the history of venture capital.
  • Define key terms like 'seed funding' and 'Series A'.
  • Identify major players in the VC landscape.
Read 'The Lean Startup'
Understand the Lean Startup methodology to build a fundable business with limited resources.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes.
  • Identify key concepts and principles.
  • Apply the Lean Startup methodology to your own business idea.
Read 'Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist'
Gain a deeper understanding of the legal and financial aspects of venture deals to negotiate effectively with investors.
Show steps
  • Read the book cover to cover.
  • Take notes on key deal terms and concepts.
  • Discuss the book with other entrepreneurs or investors.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Pitch Deck
Practice creating a compelling pitch deck to solidify your understanding of what investors look for and how to present your business effectively.
Show steps
  • Define your target audience and key message.
  • Create a visually appealing and informative presentation.
  • Practice your pitch and get feedback from others.
Write a Blog Post on Fundraising
Reinforce your learning by explaining fundraising concepts in your own words and sharing your insights with others.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific fundraising topic.
  • Research and gather information on the topic.
  • Write a clear and engaging blog post.
  • Promote your blog post on social media.
Attend Startup Events
Expand your network and learn from other entrepreneurs and investors by attending industry events.
Show steps
  • Research local startup events and conferences.
  • Prepare an elevator pitch for your business.
  • Network with attendees and exchange contact information.
  • Follow up with contacts after the event.
Mentor Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Solidify your understanding of fundraising by mentoring others and sharing your knowledge and experience.
Show steps
  • Find aspiring entrepreneurs to mentor.
  • Share your fundraising knowledge and experience.
  • Provide guidance and support to your mentees.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundraising Advice from a Successful Venture Capitalist will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Startup Founder
The path of a Startup Founder involves securing funding to bring innovative ideas to life. This course is directly applicable, offering strategies for networking with potential investors, crafting compelling presentations, and understanding the venture capital landscape. The course's discussion of what venture capitalists are looking for, and how to turn 'no' into 'yes,' are critical skills for any startup founder. This course also covers how to present like Steve Jobs.
Venture Capitalist
A Venture Capitalist identifies and invests in promising startups and emerging companies with high growth potential. This course provides invaluable insights into the fundraising process from the perspective of a venture capitalist, offering a deep understanding of what investors look for in a pitch, how to network effectively, and how to structure a compelling presentation. Learning how venture capital firms evaluate opportunities is critical to securing funding. Further, this course will teach you the important elements to include in your pitch presentation.
Fundraising Consultant
A Fundraising Consultant advises organizations on developing and implementing fundraising strategies to secure financial support. This course helps build a strong understanding of fundraising techniques from the venture capital perspective, including networking, pitch creation, and investor relations. This course's focus on how to present your business model and tailor your pitch to different types of investors is particularly relevant. This knowledge can be used to help clients refine their fundraising strategies and pitches.
Chief Financial Officer
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) manages a company's financial operations and strategy. This course has direct relevance to the CFO's role in raising capital, managing investor relations, and navigating the legal aspects of fundraising. The course's insights into what investors look for and how to present financial information effectively directly support the CFO in securing funding and maintaining financial stability.
Business Incubator Manager
The role of a Business Incubator Manager involves supporting and guiding early-stage companies through mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. This course directly aligns with that role by providing deep insights into fundraising strategies, investor relations, and effective pitching techniques. Understanding the venture capital perspective and the nuances of securing funding is crucial for guiding startups toward success and sustainability. This course teaches how to get meetings and how to network.
Chief Executive Officer
A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of a company. This course will provide essential skills for securing funding and guiding the company's financial future. The lessons on networking, presenting to investors, and dealing with skepticism are particularly useful. The CEO has to be adept at raising money from venture capital firms.
Investment Banker
An Investment Banker helps companies raise capital through the issuance of stocks and bonds. This course can help provide a solid background in fundraising strategies, presentation skills, and investor relations, especially concerning venture capital. This course may be useful if you hope to advise startups on funding rounds, understanding the principles of networking and pitching. The course's perspective from a venture capitalist provides a unique and valuable insight into the decision-making process of investors.
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager focuses on creating and expanding business opportunities for a company. This course may be useful by providing strategies for networking and pitching to potential investors and strategic partners. Learning how to present a business model effectively and tailor presentations to different audiences is highly relevant. The course material on turning weaknesses into strengths and dealing with investor skepticism can be directly applied to building strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Angel Investor
As an Angel Investor, you provide capital for startups at the early stages of funding. This course may be useful by helping you to better understand the fundraising process from the perspective of those seeking investment. The course's insights into networking, presentation strategies, and the qualities that investors look for is extremely valuable. This course will help with making informed investment decisions.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants advise organizations on improving their performance and efficiency. This course may be useful by enhancing a consultant's understanding of fundraising strategies and investor relations, particularly for startups and growing companies. The content on networking, pitch development, and understanding investor perspectives can be applied to advising clients on securing funding and improving their overall business strategy. The course's perspective from the point of view of a venture capitalist is also important.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst evaluates financial data and provides recommendations to businesses and investors. This course may be useful as it builds context in the specific area of venture capital and startup fundraising. The course's content on company pitches, investor expectations, and legal issues provides analysts with a valuable understanding of the factors that drive investment decisions and company valuations.
Business Strategist
A Business Strategist helps companies develop and implement strategies to achieve their goals. A course like this may be useful by providing knowledge of fundraising strategies and investor relations, which are critical to the success of many businesses. The course's focus on pitching, networking, and understanding investor perspectives is directly applicable to strategy development and execution. This includes understanding how to present your business model.
Portfolio Manager
A Portfolio Manager is responsible for overseeing investment portfolios for individuals or institutions. This course will help build insights into the fundraising process and startup ecosystem. You may find the course helpful as it will help you better evaluate investment opportunities. In particular, the course material on what venture capitalists look for and the legal issues involved in raising money is very beneficial.
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition for a product or product line. This course may be useful in helping product managers understand the investor perspective and how to pitch new product ideas to secure funding for development and launch. The course's content on presenting business models and dealing with investor skepticism is particularly relevant. This course will also help with presenting to high net worth individuals.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager plans and executes marketing campaigns to promote a product or service. This course may be useful by providing an understanding of how to market a company to investors and secure funding for marketing initiatives. The course's insights into creating compelling pitches and understanding what investors look for are applicable to developing marketing strategies that attract funding and support business growth.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages a company's public image and communications. A course like this would not be as helpful as the others, and so is being replaced. This course does not strongly correlate.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Fundraising Advice from a Successful Venture Capitalist.
Provides a comprehensive guide to venture capital deal terms, covering term sheets, valuation, and negotiation strategies. It's a practical resource for entrepreneurs seeking funding, offering insights into the VC perspective. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the legal and financial aspects of fundraising, complementing the course's focus on pitching and networking.
While not solely focused on fundraising, "The Lean Startup" provides a framework for building and validating a business model, which is crucial for attracting investors. It emphasizes iterative development and customer feedback, helping entrepreneurs refine their pitch and demonstrate market traction. is particularly useful for understanding how to build a compelling narrative around a startup's potential.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

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.

Affiliate disclosure

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.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser