Entrepreneurship 2: Launching your Start-Up from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Preparing to Launch: Essential Components

This module was created to give you the information you need to begin to take your validated opportunity, build an MVP, and begin to design a winning pitch. Smart entrepreneurs can avoid wasting time by designing an initial product that only serves the core needs of its customers, and may be able to avoid an unnecessary pivot by finding the right product-market fit early on. By the end of this module, you'll understand if your product is truly minimally viable, know why an MVP is a good strategy, be able to design a strategy to validate your hypothesis, identify the key components of a successful pitch, and decide whether or not to quit your day job.

Module 2: Building the Team

This module was designed to give you critical insights into the often-overlooked dynamics of founding team formation, early hires, and allocation of equity. You'll examine the research that shows why the composition of the founding team can be an important indicator of future revenue, why some motivations of the team are more profitable than others, how to get the right hires for your team, common mistakes in hiring key players, and why equity allocation is so vital to a start-up's survival. By the end of this module, you'll be better prepared to position your start-up for success by making data-driven decisions about your founding partners, your early hires, your first managers, and equity allocation.

Module 3: Networks, Professional Services, and Intellectual Property

In this module, you'll learn about your external team: the advisors, mentors, and professionals you'll need to give your start-up the best possible chance for success. Many start-ups either ignore or over-invest in professional advisors, accountants, and lawyers. You'll explore what kinds of professionals you should hire, when to do so, and for how long. You'll also cover the differences between patents, intellectual property, and trade secrets so that you know what kind of protection you need. And you'll examine the various legal entities your enterprise may assume, so you can choose the appropriate entity for your venture. By the end of this module, you'll be able to define the legal form of your enterprise, the best way to protect your idea, how to determine what professional services will be most useful, and how to apply theories of social networks to make the most suitable choices for your set of advisors.

Module 4: Branding, Strategy, and Summary

In this module, you'll examine a variety of proven strategies to set your venture up for success. You'll learn a proven process for choosing a name for your venture, and explore successful strategies for developing a brand personality. You'll also explore existing resources in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and dive deeply into entrepreneurial strategies. By the end of this module, you'll be able to take your product or service to market with a name, a brand, a strategy that positions your venture for success.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the lean approach, which is standard in industry

Examines the minimum viable product, which helps learners create repeatable and scalable business models

Develops entrepreneurial strategy, which is a core skill for starting and running a business

Teaches the art of the pitch, which helps learners secure funding and support

Examines legal aspects, which is highly relevant to starting and running a business

Requires learners to come in with some background knowledge, which may be a barrier for some learners

Reviews summary

Effective startup launch strategies

Learners say this course is hugely positive, offering critical knowledge for launching a startup. Professors are knowledgeable and engaging. The course covers important factors often overlooked by entrepreneurs, such as naming, branding, and recruiting team members. It provides practical examples and real-world advice from successful entrepreneurs.

Teaches effective networking and intellectual property management.

"Provides tips for building a strong network and leveraging connections."

"Discusses strategies for protecting intellectual property and avoiding legal pitfalls."

Provides key insights into building a successful company team.

"Emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration."

"Discusses strategies for recruiting top talent and building a strong team culture."

Emphasizes a lean approach to product design and production.

"Incorporates a lean approach to product design and production."

"Teaches us to focus on the essentials and avoid unnecessary complexity."

Brand naming and strategy covered in detail and clarity.

"Provides guidance on crafting a strong brand name and developing a consistent brand identity."

"Stresses the importance of branding for building a successful business."

Professor Karl Ulrich explained concepts in a way that was easy to understand.

"Professor Ulrich was exceptionally clear and engaging in his lectures."

"He broke down complex concepts into manageable pieces."

Professor David Hsu explained concepts in a way that was difficult to understand.

"Professor Hsu's lectures were often confusing and hard to follow."

"He used complex terminology and spoke too quickly."

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 2: Launching your Start-Up with these activities:

Read: The Lean Startup

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Provides practical tips and strategies for validating your business idea and developing a successful startup.

Browse courses on Lean

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Read chapters 1-5
Review the key concepts of the Lean Startup methodology
Identify and evaluate your own business idea

Join a startup community

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Provides opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences.

Browse courses on Networking

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Attend startup events and meetups
Join online forums and discussion groups
Seek out mentors and advisors

Build a business model canvas

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Helps you visualize and understand the key components of your business model.

Browse courses on Business Model Canvas

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Fill out the business model canvas template
Identify the target customer, value proposition, and key activities
Review and refine your business model

Five other activities

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Write a business plan outline

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Provides a framework for planning and launching a successful startup.

Browse courses on Business Plan

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Write an executive summary that outlines your business goals and strategy
Describe the target market for your product or service
Develop a marketing and sales plan

Practice pitching your business idea

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Develops your communication and presentation skills essential for pitching to investors.

Browse courses on Pitching

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Craft a compelling elevator pitch
Practice presenting your pitch to friends and family
Attend a pitch competition

Participate in a startup competition

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Provides feedback on your pitch and business plan, and helps you connect with potential investors.

Browse courses on Pitching

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Research and select a startup competition that aligns with your business idea
Develop and refine your pitch and business plan
Submit your application and prepare for the competition

Share your entrepreneurial experiences

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Enhances your understanding of startup concepts by teaching and guiding others.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Volunteer as a mentor at a startup incubator or accelerator
Lead a workshop on a startup-related topic
Write and publish articles or blog posts on your entrepreneurial journey

Contribute to open-source projects related to startups

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Develops your technical skills while contributing to the startup ecosystem.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify open-source projects that align with your interests and skill set
Review the project documentation and contribute code or documentation
Attend project meetings and engage with the community

Career center

Learners who complete Entrepreneurship 2: Launching your Start-Up will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are individuals who start their own businesses. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become an Entrepreneur, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch a business.

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Founder

Founders of companies lead a team in the creation of a new product or service. Founders develop ideas for products or services, build a team, raise money, and launch the company in the public markets. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become a Founder, as it covers the essential components of starting a business, including how to build a team, raise money, and launch a product or service.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and completion of projects, and for the management of project teams. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become a Project Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch a project plan.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for the development and execution of sales strategies, and for the ongoing management of sales teams. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become a Sales Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch a sales strategy.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products and features, and for the ongoing management of existing products. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become a Product Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch a product or service.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business, including the management of inventory, production, and customer service. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become an Operations Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch an operations strategy.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of topics, including strategy, operations, and marketing. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become a Consultant, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch a consulting practice.

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IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for the development and implementation of information technology systems and policies, and for the ongoing management of IT resources. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become an IT Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch an IT strategy.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities, and for managing existing customer relationships. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become a Business Development Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch a business development strategy.

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Customer Service Manager

Customer Service Managers are responsible for the development and implementation of customer service policies and procedures, and for the ongoing management of customer relations. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become a Customer Service Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch a customer service strategy.

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Innovation Manager

Innovation Managers are responsible for the development and implementation of new products and services, and for the ongoing management of innovation initiatives. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become an Innovation Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch an innovation strategy.

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Finance Manager

Finance Managers are responsible for the development and implementation of financial plans and policies, and for the ongoing management of financial resources. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become a Finance Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch a financial strategy.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for the development and implementation of human resources policies and procedures, and for the ongoing management of employee relations. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become a Human Resources Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch a human resources strategy.

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Administrative Manager

Administrative Managers are responsible for the overall operation of an office or department, including the management of staff, finances, and equipment. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become an Administrative Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch an administrative strategy.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for the development and execution of marketing campaigns, and for the ongoing management of marketing initiatives. This course may be helpful to someone who wants to become a Marketing Manager, as it covers the essential components of launching a product or service, including how to build a team, raise money, and develop and launch a marketing campaign.

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