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Manju Puri and David Robinson

This course will teach you how to manage a startup’s financing strategy, where you will learn how to build capitalization tables (or “cap tables”) in Excel. Cap tables will help you explore different financing strategies for your startup company and determine which financing decisions are best for your entrepreneurial venture. You will also learn about innovations in the digital space that allow new ways to finance entrepreneurial ventures. These include different forms of crowdfunding, and alternative credit scoring mechanisms based on web-based data.

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This course will teach you how to manage a startup’s financing strategy, where you will learn how to build capitalization tables (or “cap tables”) in Excel. Cap tables will help you explore different financing strategies for your startup company and determine which financing decisions are best for your entrepreneurial venture. You will also learn about innovations in the digital space that allow new ways to finance entrepreneurial ventures. These include different forms of crowdfunding, and alternative credit scoring mechanisms based on web-based data.

This course concludes with a module featuring cutting edge research from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business on the financial technology industry. In this module, you will learn how financial technology companies are disrupting the credit

scoring industry by developing new methods for credit scoring using consumers’ digital footprints. In addition, you will explore how financial technology platforms have introduced new, experimental forms of financing, such as crowdfunding.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Raising Capital from Venture Investors
This module explores the securities that venture investors use when they invest in startups, and how the dynamic nature of fundraising creates complex ownership structures.
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Exiting Venture Investments
Venture investors generate returns for their investors by selling their portfolio companies, either to strategic buyer, to other private equity investors, or by listing them as publicly traded firms. This module explores how the proceeds from these liquidation events are distributed among the different investors based on the terms of their investments.
Crowdfunding
This module examines different kinds of crowdfunding. We start with peer-to-peer lending to understand the setup in its early days and evolution, and then examine equity crowdfunding and rewards based crowdfunding.
Credit Scoring Through Digital Footprints
This module examines credit scoring through the traditional means of credit bureau scores and then looks at new ways of doing credit scoring through a simple digital footprint.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines financial technology platforms' innovative funding methods like crowdfunding
Explores different funding strategies and their impact on ownership structures
Develops students' understanding of alternative credit scoring using digital footprints
Taught by Manju Puri and David Robinson, who are recognized for their work in the field
Uses Excel for hands-on application of capitalization table concepts
Requires no specific prerequisites, making it accessible to learners with diverse backgrounds

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Reviews summary

Helpful for startup financing knowledge

Learners say that this well-received course is largely positive, with many learners saying that the course is helpful for gaining a basic understanding of startup financing. Students say that the lectures are well-explained and the content is engaging, however, some students mention that the material in weeks 3 and 4 are difficult exams and are not relevant to Financing for Startup Businesses. While the majority of learners gave positive feedback, some students say that the quizzes are not always engaging assignments and are strict, giving learners only one try per 24 hours.
Sections on crowdfunding and innovation are particularly helpful
"Excellent all around, particularly the section on crowdfunding and innovations in credit scoring!"
"I liked this course because I understand many thinks"
Useful and valuable course material
"Good course! Helped a lot in preparation for a VC interview!"
"Very insightful, in terms of using new sources of founding for start-ups and to understand the distribution of shares"
"The concepts are high level for who are not from financial background. But by going through the lectures more often you can learn the concepts"
Helpful for learning startup financing
"Very informative and back you up with proper qualifications for the the valuation landscape of the startups and new businesses"
"Very informative. This course could give you a basic idea of how startups get finance"
"Good to develop our self"
Clear and in-depth explanations
"Great explanation of research work"
"Excellent discussion that are relevant to the current market"
"Very good knowledge and understanding of Finance"
Strict quizzes with only one attempt per 24 hours
"The course quizzes are set up so that you get 1 try per 24 hours"
"Even if you reverse engineer and back test your excel model to confirm the output of the various scenarios highlighted in the lecture slides, there is no guarantee that your model will give the correct answer on the quiz"
Week 3 and 4 material not relevant to startup financing
"The relevance of week 3 and 4 to Start-up financing was extremely limited."
"Week 1and 2 are very useful and insightful, I really learnt new skills. But week 3 and 4 have are very long and not relevant to startup financing"

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 Financing for Startup Businesses with these activities:
Attend Startup Events
Attending startup events will help you to connect with other entrepreneurs and learn about the latest trends in the startup ecosystem.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Research upcoming startup events
  • Attend startup events
  • Network with other entrepreneurs
  • Learn about the latest trends in the startup ecosystem
Find a Mentor in the Startup Ecosystem
Finding a mentor in the startup ecosystem can provide you with guidance and support as you grow your business.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors
  • Reach out to potential mentors
  • Build a relationship with your mentor
  • Seek advice and support from your mentor
Learn About Crowdfunding
Learning about crowdfunding will give you an overview of the different ways to raise capital for your startup without going through traditional investors.
Browse courses on Crowdfunding
Show steps
  • Research different crowdfunding platforms
  • Create a crowdfunding campaign
  • Promote your crowdfunding campaign
  • Fulfill your crowdfunding rewards
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review Venture Deals
Reviewing this book will introduce you to the basics of venture capital and the key terms you need to know when raising capital for your startup.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes
  • Summarize the key concepts in your own words
  • Discuss the book with a friend or colleague
Develop a Financial Model for Your Startup
Developing a financial model for your startup will help you to understand the financial viability of your business.
Browse courses on Financial Modeling
Show steps
  • Gather data on your startup's costs and revenue
  • Create a financial model using a spreadsheet or software program
  • Test your financial model with different scenarios
  • Use your financial model to make decisions about your startup's future
Build a Cap Table
Building a cap table will help you understand how equity is distributed in a startup and how it changes over time.
Show steps
  • Choose a cap table template
  • Enter the data for your startup
  • Run scenarios to see how different financing rounds would affect the cap table
Pitch Your Startup idea
Creating a pitch for your startup will help you to refine your business idea and to practice presenting it to investors.
Browse courses on Pitching
Show steps
  • Identify the key elements of your startup idea
  • Develop a clear and concise pitch
  • Practice your pitch with friends or colleagues
  • Deliver your pitch to a group of investors
Raise Funding for Your Startup
Raising funding for your startup is a critical step in the growth of your business.
Browse courses on Fundraising
Show steps
  • Identify potential investors
  • Develop a pitch deck
  • Set up meetings with investors
  • Negotiate the terms of your investment
  • Close the deal

Career center

Learners who complete Financing for Startup Businesses will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts conduct research and provide advice to businesses and individuals on financial matters. They use their knowledge of economics, finance, and accounting to make recommendations on investments, mergers, and acquisitions. This course would be beneficial for Financial Analysts because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in making investment decisions. Additionally, the course would help Financial Analysts understand the different types of financing options available to businesses and how to evaluate the risks and benefits of each option.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers help companies raise capital by issuing new securities, such as stocks and bonds. They also advise companies on mergers and acquisitions. This course would be beneficial for Investment Bankers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in raising capital. Additionally, the course would help Investment Bankers understand the different types of financing options available to businesses and how to evaluate the risks and benefits of each option.
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalists provide funding to early-stage companies with high growth potential. They typically invest in companies that are developing new technologies or products. This course would be beneficial for Venture Capitalists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in evaluating early-stage companies. Additionally, the course would help Venture Capitalists understand the different types of financing options available to early-stage companies and how to evaluate the risks and benefits of each option.
Private Equity Investor
Private Equity Investors invest in companies that are not publicly traded. They typically invest in companies that are looking to expand or grow their operations. This course would be beneficial for Private Equity Investors because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in evaluating private companies. Additionally, the course would help Private Equity Investors understand the different types of financing options available to private companies and how to evaluate the risks and benefits of each option.
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, finance, and healthcare. This course would be beneficial for Actuaries because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in assessing risk. Additionally, the course would help Actuaries understand the different types of financing options available to businesses and individuals and how to evaluate the risks and benefits of each option.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They use their knowledge of statistics, machine learning, and data mining to extract insights from data. This course would be beneficial for Data Scientists because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in business. Additionally, the course would help Data Scientists understand how to use data to make better financial decisions.
Credit Analyst
Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses. They use their knowledge of finance and accounting to determine the risk of default. This course would be beneficial for Credit Analysts because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in assessing creditworthiness. Additionally, the course would help Credit Analysts understand the different types of financing options available to individuals and businesses and how to evaluate the risks and benefits of each option.
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future. They provide advice on investments, retirement planning, and estate planning. This course would be beneficial for Financial Planners because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in planning for the future. Additionally, the course would help Financial Planners understand the different types of financing options available to individuals and families and how to evaluate the risks and benefits of each option.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts identify and analyze business needs. They use their knowledge of business and technology to develop solutions to business problems. This course would be beneficial for Business Analysts because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in business. Additionally, the course would help Business Analysts understand how to use financial data to make better business decisions.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They use their knowledge of computer science to create software that meets the needs of users. This course would be beneficial for Software Engineers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in business. Additionally, the course would help Software Engineers understand how to use software to automate financial processes.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice to businesses on a variety of topics, including finance, marketing, and operations. They use their knowledge of business and industry best practices to help businesses improve their performance. This course would be beneficial for Consultants because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in business. Additionally, the course would help Consultants understand how to use financial data to make better business recommendations.
Financial Risk Manager
Financial Risk Managers identify and manage financial risks for businesses. They use their knowledge of finance and risk management to develop strategies to mitigate risk. This course would be beneficial for Financial Risk Managers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in managing risk. Additionally, the course would help Financial Risk Managers understand the different types of financing options available to businesses and how to evaluate the risks and benefits of each option.
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors provide financial advice to individuals and families. They use their knowledge of finance and investments to help clients achieve their financial goals. This course may be useful for Financial Advisors because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in providing financial advice. Additionally, the course would help Financial Advisors understand how to manage the financial risks of investing.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They use their knowledge of business and finance to develop and launch new products and services. This course may be useful for Entrepreneurs because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in starting a business. Additionally, the course would help Entrepreneurs understand how to raise capital and manage the financial risks of starting a business.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They use their knowledge of business and finance to manage the organization's resources and ensure its financial sustainability. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers because it would provide them with a strong foundation in the financial principles used in managing a nonprofit organization. Additionally, the course would help Nonprofit Managers understand how to raise capital and manage the financial risks of running a nonprofit organization.

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Financing for Startup Businesses.
Provides a comprehensive overview of venture capital and the financing of innovation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic, particularly those who are interested in starting or investing in a startup company. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fintech industry. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this rapidly growing field.
Provides a methodology for building and testing new businesses. It valuable resource for anyone who is starting a new business or wants to improve their existing business.

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