Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone from Coursera

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Syllabus

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Welcome to the Entrepreneurship Capstone Project! This project-based course is designed to provide you with the resources and tools you need to develop a pitch deck for a start-up, which you will submit as your Capstone Project. Please study the readings below, which provide you with the resources and timeline you need to complete a successful pitch deck. Then, please take the Project Scope Quiz. You must score 100% to pass the quiz, but you have multiple opportunities to retake the quiz until you score 100%. If you're looking for some inspiration, you can learn about how some entrepreneurs got their ideas off the ground. We've also reposted lectures from the courses that will be particularly helpful for you to review.

Building Your Pitch Deck

This week, you will spend time assembling the elements of your pitch deck so that you can submit it for preliminary review next week. Good pitch decks vary in length, but they are all impactful. Take the time this week to put together all the sections of your deck, making sure that each one is supported by evidence, analysis, and/or research when applicable. Watch Professor Mollick's video on pitch decks. As a refresher, we've also included some key videos from the Specialization courses talking about pitch decks or the components you are to include in your project. The videos and guidelines below will help you assemble your deck.

Preliminary Pitch Deck

This week, you will submit your pitch deck for preliminary review. Your peers will have a chance to give you feedback on where your pitch succeeds and where it needs work. You'll also have the opportunity to review the work of your peers and to give feedback. Evaluating the work of your peers will provide you with a new way of looking at your own work, which you may see differently after providing feedback. You might also want to spend some time this week brushing up on the financing and financial statement coursework you completed.

Revision Week

This week, you will spend time revising your pitch deck for final submission next week. Review the rubric to make sure you have all the required elements, and that each of those elements is backed by evidence, analysis, and research. You may also want to look at Reid Hoffman's comments on his own pitch deck for LinkedIn for an example of evaluating your own work. In thinking about your revisions, you may also want to consider this question - does my pitch deck tell a story?

Final Project Submission

This week, you will finish your revisions to create a final version of your pitch deck and submit it for peer review. You'll then be asked to review the work of three of your peers. Once you have gotten feedback on your deck, you may use it to pitch your product or service to a funder, or as an example of a strategic presentation at your current job, or as a work sample when you are applying for a new one. A successful pitch can change the world, even if it's just a little. Good luck!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Core audience is students interested in entrepreneurship

Teaches how to build a pitch deck

Taught by five experienced professors

Provides opportunities to receive feedback from peers

Provides a solid foundation in entrepreneurship

Requires a significant time investment

Reviews summary

Wharton entrepreneurship masterclass

Learners say this Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone is a well-received course offering students a detailed study of Entrepreneurship fundamentals. The course includes practical projects that prepare students to launch their own business. The course is demanding, but learners describe the content as excellent. However, some learners have given feedback regarding peer review and outdated references.

Real-world examples and case studies to help learners apply their knowledge.

"Its hands-on approach helps develop several key skills that every entrepreneur will benefit from."

"This capstone sums all the other 4 entrepreneurship courses that are required to be taken before enrolling in this. Step by step guidelines is given on how to make the pitch and how to prepare a slide deck for VC."

"Really a great specialization, this will teach you a-z of entrepreneurship. I loved the way the specialization was presented- it had theoretical and practical aspects, both covered in full detail. the capstone project was really great as it will put your knowledge into practical use."

In-depth and practical lessons on entrepreneurship.

"This course gave me clarity on how to approach Entrepreneurial projects and Product Management."

"Great and in-depth material with a good practise on entrepreneurship!"

"This course has some of the best advice that I have received so far on entrepreneurship."

Some materials may be outdated and not reflect current industry practices.

"The course is heavily a review of the first three courses. As someone who works in the world of startups and private equity there are several parts of this specialization that are very outdated, especially in reference to some of the data and companies being used in the examples."

"Not many useful example slidecks. Should have provided market research reports of various industries to assist with preparing the slide deck.The slide deck reviews should have been done by professional venture capitalists. Asking peer students who are still in the learning phase to review, is not very motivating to do the course."

Feedback on assignments is solely from classmates.

"Only recommendation would be to have instructors review the final pitch, peer review slows things down a bit!"

"The slide deck reviews should have been done by professional venture capitalists. Asking peer students who are still in the learning phase to review, is not very motivating to do the course. "

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 Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone with these activities:

Review financial analysis techniques

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Reviewing these techniques will help you build a strong foundation for the course.

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Review the basics of financial statements.
Practice calculating key financial ratios.
Analyze a company's financial performance using these ratios.

Learn how to use a financial modeling software

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This will help you develop practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

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Choose a financial modeling software and find tutorials for it.
Follow the tutorials to learn the basics of the software.
Practice building financial models using the software.

Participate in a peer review session

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This will help you get feedback on your work and improve your understanding of the material.

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Find a peer who is also taking the course.
Schedule a time to meet and review each other's work.
Provide constructive feedback and suggestions.

Five other activities

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Attend a workshop on entrepreneurship or finance

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This will provide you with an opportunity to learn from experts and network with other entrepreneurs.

Browse courses on Entrepreneurship

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Find a workshop that interests you.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.

Develop a financial plan for a new business

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This project will allow you to apply the concepts you learn in the course to a real-world scenario.

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Identify the business opportunity and goals.
Research the market and competition.
Develop financial projections.
Write a financial plan.

Start a business simulation project

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This project will allow you to apply the concepts you learn in the course to a simulated business environment.

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Choose a business simulation platform.
Create a team and develop a business plan.
Manage the business and make decisions.
Analyze the results and learn from your experience.

Create a compilation of resources on entrepreneurship or finance

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This will help you organize and synthesize the information you learn in the course.

Browse courses on Entrepreneurship

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Identify the topics you want to cover.
Gather resources from various sources.
Organize the resources into a coherent format.

Contribute to an open-source project related to entrepreneurship or finance

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This will allow you to gain practical experience and contribute to the community.

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Find an open-source project that interests you.
Identify an area where you can contribute.
Make a pull request to the project.

Career center

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

Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur starts and operates a business or organization. They are responsible for all aspects of the business, including product development, marketing, sales, and finance. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate business opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to pitch your business ideas to investors and customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Startup CEO

A Startup CEO is the founder and leader of a startup company. They are responsible for all aspects of the business, including product development, marketing, sales, and finance. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate business opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to pitch your business ideas to investors and customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Startup CEO

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the development and marketing of a product or service. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring a product to market and ensure its success. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate product opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to pitch your product ideas to stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Private Equity Investor

A Private Equity Investor invests in companies that are not publicly traded. They provide funding and guidance to help these companies grow and succeed. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate investment opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to pitch your investment ideas to potential investors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Private Equity Investor

Venture Capitalist

A Venture Capitalist invests in early-stage companies with high growth potential. They provide funding and guidance to help these companies grow and succeed. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate investment opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to pitch your investment ideas to potential investors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Venture Capitalist

Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on a wide range of topics, including business strategy, operations, and technology. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs, by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate business processes, and by strengthening your communication skills. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to convey your insights and recommendations.

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Investment Banker

An Investment Banker provides financial advice and services to corporations and governments. They help these organizations raise capital and manage their investments. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate business opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to pitch your investment ideas to clients.

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Market Research Analyst

A Market Research Analyst studies market trends and customer behavior to help businesses and organizations develop and market their products and services. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the research and analytical skills to evaluate market opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to convey your insights and recommendations.

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Strategy Consultant

A Strategy Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on a wide range of topics, including business strategy, operations, and technology. They help these organizations develop and implement strategies to achieve their goals. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate business opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to convey your insights and recommendations.

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Management Consultant

A Management Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on a wide range of topics, including business strategy, operations, and technology. They help these organizations improve their performance and achieve their goals. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate business opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to convey your insights and recommendations.

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Growth Marketer

A Growth Marketer is responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies to drive growth for a company. They work with product, engineering, and sales teams to develop and implement marketing campaigns. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate marketing opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to pitch your marketing strategies to stakeholders.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and executes projects to achieve specific goals and objectives. They work with stakeholders to develop project plans, budgets, and timelines. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate project opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to convey your project plans and progress to stakeholders.

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Sales Manager

A Sales Manager leads and motivates a sales team to achieve sales targets. They develop and implement sales strategies and provide training and support to their team. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate sales opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to pitch your sales strategies to clients.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst studies business needs and processes to improve efficiency. They provide recommendations for process development and technological system improvements. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate business processes. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to convey your insights and recommendations.

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Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst studies financial data to make recommendations on investments and business decisions. They provide insights into financial performance and risk. A Wharton Entrepreneurship Capstone course can help prepare you for this role by providing insights into customer needs and by helping you develop the financial and analytical skills to evaluate business opportunities. The course may also help you develop the presentation skills to convey your insights and recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst