Building Fintech Startups in Emerging Markets from Coursera

Starting a small business can be very rewarding. This course starts by asking “What is entrepreneurship?” to then begin applying commonly used business planning tools, such as design thinking and business model canvas. Design thinking is a methodology that encourages startups to focus on user-centric products and services. Topics like regulation, intellectual property, funding, and growth are covered as they relate to building startups.

Many of the entrepreneurship opportunities and especially those in emerging markets arise out of necessity, driven to solve a real need or a social problem. Thus emerging markets are often seen as offering huge opportunities for disruptive innovation. Entrepreneurship has contributed to economic growth and has been able to respond to social problems, helping some communities prosper. With the rise of fintech, financial solutions using technologies such as the cloud, blockchain, and machine learning have bypassed or partnered with established financial institutions to serve new markets.

We invited some really interesting people in various stages of building their startups to explain their business development. We will be talking with Zlto (a digital currency), Yoco (mobile payments), Proof of Steak (alternative asset investment), and Kuba (a digital ‘middleman’ for small businesses) to name a few.

As we will learn, there is no such thing as being ‘ready’ or, choosing the ‘perfect time’ to become an entrepreneur. You are already one, so let’s take the next steps on your entrepreneurial journey by joining your peers around the world on this course. This course is for everyone anywhere, not only those inspired by fintech in emerging markets.

What's inside

Syllabus

Foundations of Entrepreneurship

Welcome to week 1 of building fintech startups! We begin with the basics by discussing: What is entrepreneurship? What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? What is an emerging market? Then we discuss the typical stages of a startup. To make this more practical, we also introduce you to real fintech startups and their journeys that will help you on your journey. Don’t worry if you don’t have a fintech background, this course is for anyone and everyone interested in entrepreneurship.

The Prestartup Phases

Welcome to week 2! We’re glad you’ve continued your entrepreneurial journey. This week gets into ideation and the design thinking process. We respond to questions on: How do people tackle their problems and find solutions? What tools can we use to figure this out? Rael, Kungela and Sarah-Anne share their insights and experiences. You will also hear from Jacques (Kuba), Allan (Zlto) and Katlego (Yoco) speaking about their products and how they learnt to keep the customers in mind.

The Startup

You’ve reached week 3 when we will see how startups are built. Congratulations for keeping going! This week we look at the legal foundations, regulatory environment and startup funding. These questions can have significant consequences for a startup: How to ensure you’re complying with your countries laws? Do you understand the implications of giving equity away? You’ll hear from experts and entrepreneurs as to how they approached these questions. From our case studies, we share some practical experiences and considerations.

Support for Growth and Scale

You’re in the final stretch. Congratulations on reaching week 4 which is about support opportunities for entrepreneurs. To start, we'll introduce you to the types of support entrepreneurs need to be successful and grow. In the Peer Review assignment, you will need to ask an entrepreneur about their journey creating a startup. To interview someone it’s best to check the assignment ahead of time in order to have enough opportunity to complete this task. We also have a few bonus case studies (Aerobotics and Custos) who we interviewed about their journeys growing startups.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Emphasizes the 'design thinking' methodology to guide startups toward user-centric solutions

Covers legal and regulatory aspects, including fundraising strategies, essential for startup growth

Features interviews with entrepreneurs and experts, providing practical insights and case studies

Suitable for individuals interested in entrepreneurship regardless of prior fintech background

Focuses on emerging markets and their unique opportunities for disruptive innovation

Covers the stages of startup development, from ideation to growth and scale

Reviews summary

Fintech startup success

Learners say Building Fintech Startups in Emerging Markets is a great course that provides a good structure for understanding the Fintech startup journey. The course is well received with most students giving it 4 or 5 stars.

Students appreciate the course structure.

"Good structure and example of Fintech startup journey"

Many students gave positive feedback.

"great"

"Great course"

"Great course and nicely delivered..."

Some students experienced delays in receiving assignments.

"took weeks to receive 3 assignments to review"

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 Building Fintech Startups in Emerging Markets with these activities:

Model your Startup

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Start by planning out the execution of your business idea with this project.

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Construct a visual representation of your business model.
Map out the customer journey.
Develop a prototype of your product or service.
Create a pitch deck to present your idea to potential investors.

The Lean Startup

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Gain insights into the principles of building a successful startup.

View The Startup Way: How Modern Companies Use... on Amazon

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Read about the concept of the Minimal Viable Product (MVP).
Learn about customer validation and feedback loops.
Consider the importance of iteration and experimentation.

Fintech Startup Webinars

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Attend webinars and follow online tutorials on fintech entrepreneurship.

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Search for relevant webinars and tutorials on YouTube.
Take notes and apply the concepts to your startup.

Four other activities

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Fintech Meetups

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Connect with other fintech entrepreneurs and investors at meetups.

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Attend local fintech meetups and events.
Introduce yourself and share your ideas.

FinTech Accelerator Programs

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Apply to participate in accelerator programs designed for fintech startups.

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Research and identify suitable accelerator programs.
Prepare a compelling application and pitch.

Pitch Competition for Fintech Startups

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Gain valuable feedback and recognition by participating in pitch competitions.

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Identify relevant pitch competitions.
Refine your pitch and prepare your presentation.

Volunteer for a Microfinance Organization

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Gain firsthand experience in financial inclusion by volunteering.

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Reach out to microfinance organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Contribute to projects and programs that align with your skills and interests.

Career center

Learners who complete Building Fintech Startups in Emerging Markets will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs conceive, launch, and manage their own businesses. They possess a unique blend of creativity, resilience, and business acumen. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to entrepreneurship, covering business planning, market analysis, funding strategies, and growth management. By understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by startups in emerging markets, graduates can gain valuable insights to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys and drive innovation within the fintech sector.

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Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and management of products, ensuring they meet customer needs and business objectives. Their deep understanding of user experience, market research, and agile development methodologies is crucial. This course’s emphasis on design thinking, customer-centricity, and iterative product development provides graduates with a strong foundation to succeed as Product Managers, particularly in the innovative fintech industry.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers play a key role in identifying new growth opportunities and expanding markets for their organizations. Through this course’s focus on entrepreneurial thinking, market analysis, and business planning, graduates can develop the skills necessary to thrive as Business Development Managers, particularly in the fast-paced world of fintech.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists identify, evaluate, and invest in high-potential early-stage businesses. Their deep understanding of disruptive technologies, market trends, and business models is crucial. This course delves into these areas, making it an invaluable resource for aspiring Venture Capitalists seeking to launch their careers in this dynamic field.

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Financial Consultant

Working closely with businesses to optimize financial performance, Financial Consultants must possess a strong grasp of emerging trends and innovative solutions. By understanding the core principles of fintech startups and their impact on various industries, graduates of this course can build a foundation for a prosperous career in financial consulting.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers lead the development and execution of marketing strategies to build brand awareness and drive business growth. Their understanding of consumer behavior, market segmentation, and digital marketing is essential. This course’s focus on user-centric product design, business model innovation, and emerging market opportunities can equip graduates with the skills to excel as Marketing Managers in the dynamic fintech sector.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and delivering successful projects. They require a comprehensive understanding of project management principles, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement. This course provides a solid foundation in these areas, helping graduates excel as Project Managers, especially within the context of fintech startups where agility and adaptability are paramount.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights. Their ability to work with large datasets, statistical techniques, and visualization tools is crucial. This course provides a solid introduction to data analysis, covering topics such as data collection, cleaning, and visualization. Graduates can apply these skills to become effective Data Analysts, particularly in the fintech sector, where data-driven decision-making is essential.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts evaluate financial data and provide insights to guide investment decisions. They require a solid understanding of financial markets, valuation techniques, and risk management. This course provides a foundation in these areas, covering topics such as business model analysis, funding options, and the regulatory landscape. Graduates can leverage this knowledge to excel as Financial Analysts, particularly in the rapidly growing fintech industry.

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Investment Analyst

Charged with evaluating and assessing investments, Investment Analysts need a broad understanding of business models, regulatory frameworks, and disruptive technologies. Through this course’s overview of startup development and emerging market investment opportunities, graduates can refine essential skills for a successful career in investment analysis.

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Financial Risk Analyst

Financial Risk Analysts assess the financial well-being of companies, leveraging their knowledge of business, banking, and regulatory processes. Based on this course’s introduction to business development, regulation, and funding, graduates can develop a holistic understanding of startups and venture capital opportunities to excel as Financial Risk Analysts.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They possess a strong foundation in computer science, programming languages, and software engineering best practices. This course may be useful for individuals seeking to transition into the tech industry, providing an overview of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, blockchain, and machine learning. Graduates may find opportunities as Software Engineers within fintech companies, where technology is a driving force.

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Banker

Bankers provide financial services to individuals and businesses, including lending, investment advice, and wealth management. They possess a deep understanding of financial markets, banking regulations, and customer relationship management. While this course does not specifically train for banking roles, its coverage of fintech, disruptive innovation, and financial inclusion may provide valuable insights for Bankers seeking to navigate the evolving financial landscape.

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Accountant

Accountants prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements to provide insights into a company's financial health. They possess a strong foundation in accounting principles, auditing standards, and tax regulations. While this course does not directly focus on accounting skills, its coverage of business planning, funding strategies, and financial analysis may provide valuable context for Accountants working in fintech companies or advising startups.

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Information Technology Specialist

Information Technology Specialists provide technical support, maintenance, and troubleshooting for computer systems and networks. They possess a comprehensive understanding of hardware, software, and networking principles. While this course does not directly focus on technical skills, its coverage of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, blockchain, and machine learning may provide valuable insights for Information Technology Specialists working in the fintech industry.

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