Course Highlights
  • 7-week online course
  • Offered by Imperial College Business School
  • Live webinars
  • Interactive activities

Curriculum

6 Topics
Understand how venture capital fits into the broader private equity and capital markets landscape.
Learn about the evolution of venture capital; dating back to 1492 with Christopher Columbus.
Examine the different types of investors and investment vehicles in the VC market.
Describe the death valley curve for a given data set to manage the cash flow of an organisation.
Define the various stages of financing and understand the fundamental structure of a fund.
Address the opportunities and risks for investors.

7 Topics
Examine the different dimensions for evaluating a new investment opportunity using a handy template.
Identify the characteristics of a good investor and the key skills required to succeed in VC.
Dissect the structure of a fund
including management fees and other costs; revenue distribution schedule and key legal documents required.
Utilize the Business Model Canvas tool to understand how value gets created; where growth opportunities exist and when to pivot.
Access tested tools for conducting due diligence; including guides on how to assess (or create) a business plan – and discover the key ingredient that is too often missing.
Identify metrics to gauge the success of a startup.

2 Topics
Learn the five most common valuation methods used in the VC arena; noting the pros and cons of each method.
Perform a valuation on a target investment using the tools and methods presented in this module.

6 Topics
Discuss potential conflicts of interests between the different stakeholders
at various stress points in the deal; and learn the four mechanisms commonly used to minimise conflicts.
Develop the discipline to focus on what matters most (to you) in the term sheets while also understanding what motivates other stakeholders in the deal.
Determine a company’s post-money valuation; the share price and the impact of dilution.
Review the term sheet for a given scenario to provide recommendations on term structure and points of negotiation.
Analyse a case study to create a term sheet for your offer; a valuation of the business and a list of exit options.

6 Topics
Embrace a proven toolkit for executing strategic planning and discipline in volatile and uncertain environments.
Identify the common mistakes made by startup managers; and receive recommendations for avoiding them.
Compare the key metrics required to assess the performance of a VC fund.
Explore various exit strategies and scenarios; including some creative combinations.
Analyse a case study
reflect on an organisation’s key investment risks and offer recommendations.

4 Topics
Explore the trends in VC across sectors; geographies; and funding stages.
Learn about potential risks and drivers for PE investments in emerging economies.
Explore the many ways that technology is impacting the VC market (in both target startups and in VC practice).
Draw upon all the skills and knowledge conveyed in the programme to complete the capstone project.

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Venture Capital Master Startup Funding and Investment Strategies

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