What Does MVP Stand For? It’s Not What You Think.
October 7, 2024
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This course is part of Technology Entrepreneurship Specialization
Instructor: John E. Thomas
1,593 already enrolled
Included with
Recommended experience
Beginner level
No particular background necessary, though we recommend successful completion of the first two courses of Technology Entrepreneurship.
Recommended experience
Beginner level
No particular background necessary, though we recommend successful completion of the first two courses of Technology Entrepreneurship.
By successfully completing this course, you will be able to build a revenue model and pro forma income statement for a new startup idea.
You will be able to examine debt and equity funding sources for technology startups and create an investor presentation for a new product idea.
You will also be able to identify the pros and cons of different business structures and the key legal considerations for technology startups.
Lastly, you will be able to assemble a complete business plan for a new startup idea.
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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.
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.
8 videos12 readings1 assignment1 peer review
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.
7 videos13 readings1 assignment1 peer review
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.
7 videos12 readings1 quiz1 peer review
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.
6 videos12 readings1 assignment1 peer review
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.
8 videos12 readings2 assignments1 peer review
CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.
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University of Colorado Boulder
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University of Colorado Boulder
Specialization
Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
Specialization
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
University of Colorado Boulder
Degree · 24 months
¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
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