Forming, Funding, and Launching a Technology Startup Company from Coursera

This course starts with a close look at entrepreneurial finance, revenue models, and sources of startup funding. Learners will build a revenue model, create a Financial Plan for a new startup idea, and prepare an investor presentation for raising capital. Business legal structures are reviewed and some of the key legal considerations and pitfalls for startups are examined. Intellectual Property (IP) is presented as a business strategy for creating value and building competitive advantage. The role of ethics in a startup environment is explored in the context of an entrepreneurial mindset. The value of building a learning organization is presented. Startup growth strategies for building technology companies and exit options for technology entrepreneurs are reviewed. Learners will complete a business plan for a new product or service idea.

Forming, Funding, and Launching a Startup Company 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

Revenue Model & Pro Forma Income Statement

This section introduces revenue models and pro forma income statements. Alternative revenue models are discussed, and the detailed analysis of a simple unit revenue model is provided. A spreadsheet tool for building a proforma income statements is reviewed and provided as a resource. Learners will use the tool to complete assignments. Cashflow and breakeven are also reviewed.

Startup Funding Sources

Key funding concepts and considerations for startups are introduced and potential sources of funding are identified. Debt and equity financing options are compared in addition to angel and venture capital investors. Important factors related to startup valuation, capitalization tables, and the due diligence process are also presented. Alternative funding options including government grants and crowdfunding websites are introduced.

Integrating & Presenting the Business Plan

This section introduces the final components to the business plan including the Executive Summary, Company Overview, Risk Analysis, and the Financial Plan. Topics covered include managing, distributing, and presenting the business plan.

Company Formation & Legal Considerations

Options for the legal structure of a new business are presented along with some of the pros and cons of each. The different types of intellectual property are reviewed with emphasis placed on the value they bring to the firm. Legal issues related to hiring employees are examined along with some of the common legal challenges faced by startups.

Launching & Growing a Startup

The role and impact of entrepreneurial ethics in the formation and growth of technology startups is reviewed. The importance of a company culture that promotes ethical decision making and actions is emphasized. The value of building a learning organization from the beginning is discussed and several common growth and exit strategies are presented.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Emphasizes revenue models, financial planning, and fundraising essential for entrepreneurial ventures

Covers legal structures, intellectual property protection, and ethical considerations relevant to startups

Provides hands-on experience in developing a business plan, including financial projections and investor presentations

Instructed by experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, offering real-world insights

Part of a Master's degree program in Engineering Management, offering academic credibility and career advancement opportunities

Course duration and workload are not specified, which could impact learners' planning

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 Forming, Funding, and Launching a Technology Startup Company with these activities:

Participate in a Study Group for the Course

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Join a study group with other students to discuss course materials, ask questions, and support each other's learning.

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Find or create a study group with other students
Set regular meeting times
Prepare for meetings by reviewing course materials
Engage in discussions and ask questions during meetings

Review Basic Accounting

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Review the principles of accounting to better understand financial statements and business transactions.

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Read a textbook or online resource
Complete practice problems
Take an online quiz

Create a Mind Map of the Startup Funding Ecosystem

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Develop a visual representation of the startup funding ecosystem, which will enhance your understanding of different funding options.

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Research the different types of startup funding
Create a mind map with branches for each funding type
Add details and relationships between different funding sources

Five other activities

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Read 'Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist'

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Gain insights into the legal and financial aspects of venture capital and startup funding by reading this highly regarded book.

View Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and... on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly
Take notes on key concepts
Discuss the book with a mentor or peers

Follow Online Courses on Startup Legal Fundamentals

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Supplement your knowledge of startup legal issues by following online courses or tutorials on this topic.

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Identify reputable online courses or tutorials
Enroll in the courses or tutorials
Complete the coursework

Practice Building Financial Models

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Enhance your understanding of financial concepts by practicing building financial models for different scenarios.

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Use a financial modeling software
Complete case studies with financial data

Develop a Startup Business Plan

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Apply the concepts learned in the course to create a comprehensive business plan for a new startup idea.

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Conduct market research
Define your target audience
Develop a marketing strategy
Create a financial plan
Write a business plan summary

Launch a Small-Scale Startup Project

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Put your knowledge into practice by launching a small-scale startup project that aligns with the course concepts.

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Identify a problem or opportunity
Develop a solution
Build a prototype
Test and iterate
Launch your project

Career center

Learners who complete Forming, Funding, and Launching a Technology Startup Company will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They are responsible for all aspects of their business, from product development to marketing and sales. This course equips one with the knowledge and skills to become an Entrepreneur, providing guidance on forming, funding, and launching a startup company.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are responsible for the overall leadership and management of a company. They set the company's vision and strategy, and oversee all aspects of its operations. This course provides a strong foundation for CEOs, as it covers all aspects of forming, funding, and launching a startup company.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are responsible for the financial health of a company. They oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, and financial planning. This course is highly relevant to CFOs, as it provides detailed training in revenue models, pro forma income statements, and financial plan integration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Financial Officer

Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. They provide funding and expertise to help these companies succeed. This course is highly relevant to the role of a Venture Capitalist, as it covers startup funding sources, the due diligence process, and startup growth strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Venture Capitalist

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts specialize in evaluating and advising on investments. They use complex financial models, research, and data to help clients make informed decisions. This course directly helps one become a Financial Analyst by providing the skills to build a revenue model and prepare a financial plan.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for generating new business opportunities for their company. They identify and develop new markets, products, and partnerships. This course may be beneficial for Business Development Managers, as it provides training in revenue models, business legal structures, and intellectual property.

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Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies raise capital by issuing and selling securities. They also advise on mergers and acquisitions. This course provides the foundation necessary to become an Investment Banker, providing training in entrepreneurial finance and revenue models, as well as sources of startup funding.

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Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of an organization's IT infrastructure. This course is relevant to CTOs, as it covers intellectual property and startup growth strategies.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. They work with product teams, sales teams, and public relations teams to promote products and services. This course may be helpful for Marketing Managers, as it covers revenue models, pro forma income statements, and business plan integration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to bring products to market. This course is helpful for those who want to be Product Managers, as it covers revenue models, pro forma income statements, business plan integration, and startup growth strategies.

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Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officers (COOs) are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company. They oversee all aspects of production, logistics, and customer service. This course may be useful for COOs, as it covers business legal structures, intellectual property, and startup growth strategies.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and managing sales teams. They set sales goals, develop sales strategies, and train and motivate sales staff. This course may be helpful for Sales Managers, as it covers revenue models, pro forma income statements, and business plan integration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business. They oversee production, logistics, and customer service. This course may be useful for Operations Managers, as it covers business legal structures, intellectual property, and startup growth strategies.

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Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of an organization's IT infrastructure. This course may be useful for Information Technology Managers, as it covers intellectual property and startup growth strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for all aspects of human resources, including hiring, training, and employee relations. This course is somewhat relevant to Human Resources Managers, as it provides some training in business legal structures and hiring employees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager