Venture Capital: Master Startup Funding and Investment Strategies

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

4 April 2024

Course Duration

DURATION

7 weeks, online
4–6 hours per week

Course Fee

PROGRAMME FEE

£1,450 and get £145 off with a referral

Course Information Flexible payment available
Course Fee

For Your Team

Enrol your team and learn with your peers

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Build your understanding of the venture capital landscape

Venture capital markets serve as an engine of innovation, funding startups that strive to solve problems – both large and small. For investors, VC has become an attractive asset class of its own, with VC fundraising being the strongest of all private equity segments.

Regardless of the role you play in the VC ecosystem – founder, investor or support system — you want to come to the table prepared. Over the course of seven weeks, you will immerse yourself in venture capital, building confidence in the language, processes, performance metrics and strategies involved in the entire dealmaking process.

$173.5 billion

The VC market generated a record-setting $173.5 billion in 2021 globally and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20% over the next decade.

Source : Allied Market Research

$58.6 billion

Europe has posted its second highest half-year on record for VC funding at $58.6 billion.

Source : Dealroom.co European VC Pulse Check H1 2022

651 rounds

Fintech startups accounted for nearly a quarter of all European funding in H1 2022, raising $15.6 billion across 651 rounds in the EU market, followed by enterprise software ($11.5 billion) and health ($5.9 billion).

Source: Dealroom.co European VC Pulse Check H1 2022

Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for professionals on either side of a venture capital transaction – both investors and those seeking early-stage investment capital. The programme content is created to be most relevant for those with some financial market experience, ranging from from early-career through mid-career level, and is particularly relevant for the following roles:

  • Venture capital professionals,including angel investors, high net worth individuals and family offices seeking to formalise their knowledge and understanding of the VC investing market to make better decisions and maximise ROI
  • Finance professionals, such as portfolio managers, pension/mutual fund managers, traders and risk and strategy planners seeking to expand their practice into venture capital markets to grow, diversify and innovate
  • Entrepreneurs, founders and senior management of startups and early-growth companies seeking an understanding and practical toolkit for pitching and securing funding (and possibly domain expertise) for their venture

Programme highlights

The programme delves into a variety of topics that cover the entire dealmaking process, from both sides of the investment, giving you the ability to:

  • Develop fluency with key venture capital concepts and vocabulary.
  • Navigate the stages of the VC transaction process from both investor and investee perspectives, including fundraising, fund setup, negotiation, portfolio management and exit strategy.
  • Examine the key players and roles in the VC ecosystem.
  • Apply the principles of the programme to produce a compelling pitch deck that checks all the right boxes.

What you will learn

Programme Orientation
Meet the faculty and get an overview of the programme, including certificate requirements, the learning platform and support resources.

Module 1:

The Venture Capital Landscape

Build your foundational understanding of the venture capital landscape, starting with a historical perspective on the market and outlining the various stages of financing in the life cycle of a startup.

Module 2:

Fund Setup and Identifying Investment Opportunities

Just as astute founders select the right VCs for their board, the best fund managers are able to pick limited partners (LPs) that can add financial and non-financial value, helping to shape their entire investment journey.

Module 3:

Startup Valuation

Unlike traditional valuations, the VC-stage valuation is far more forward-looking (and riskier), as opposed to relying on historical financial performance and fundamental measures.

Module 4:

Deal Structure, Terms and Negotiation

A venture term sheet effectively has three 'knobs' to turn: valuation, liquidation preference and amount of money raised.

Module 5:

Value Creation: Portfolio Management and Exit Strategies

Success is the result of relentless research, strong convictions and a commitment to deliver value that can enable a startup to defy the odds and produce supernormal profits.

Module 6:

Future of Venture Capital in Developed and Developing Markets

Record-setting investments in startups is likely to bring in more competition on both sides of the dealmaking process. Get an insider’s perspective on what lies ahead for this fast-growing, dynamic market.

Module 1:

The Venture Capital Landscape

Build your foundational understanding of the venture capital landscape, starting with a historical perspective on the market and outlining the various stages of financing in the life cycle of a startup.

Module 4:

Deal Structure, Terms and Negotiation

A venture term sheet effectively has three 'knobs' to turn: valuation, liquidation preference and amount of money raised.

Module 2:

Fund Setup and Identifying Investment Opportunities

Just as astute founders select the right VCs for their board, the best fund managers are able to pick limited partners (LPs) that can add financial and non-financial value, helping to shape their entire investment journey.

Module 5:

Value Creation: Portfolio Management and Exit Strategies

Success is the result of relentless research, strong convictions and a commitment to deliver value that can enable a startup to defy the odds and produce supernormal profits.

Module 3:

Startup Valuation

Unlike traditional valuations, the VC-stage valuation is far more forward-looking (and riskier), as opposed to relying on historical financial performance and fundamental measures.

Module 6:

Future of Venture Capital in Developed and Developing Markets

Record-setting investments in startups is likely to bring in more competition on both sides of the dealmaking process. Get an insider’s perspective on what lies ahead for this fast-growing, dynamic market.

Case studies

Apply the key concepts from the programme by examining different cases across a variety of industries and geographies, making this a highly practical learning experience. Each case will be debriefed in an interactive live session with the faculty or learning facilitator.

Decorative Image relating to Rocket Internet

Rocket Internet: Long Can We Continue to Lose Money?

Created by Professor Marc Kitten, this case explores the very unique business model of Rocket Internet. The German-based company incubates and invests in internet and technology companies globally, targeting startups with extraordinary founders and the potential to start – and lead – new categories. Their portfolio includes more than 200 companies with a total valuation of approximately €30 billion.

Decorative Image relating to Katerra

Katerra: Constructing Growth Opportunities Through Technology

The Katerra case takes a deep dive into the opportunities to leverage disruptive technology in the global construction industry. The case analyses the history of Katerra, a technology-driven off-site construction company, and walks through each of the company's major strengths and opportunities.

Decorative Image relating to Scrub Daddy

Scrub Daddy: Pitching for a Clean Deal

As featured on season four of Shark Tank, a bidding war breaks out during Scrub Daddy’s pitch to the celebrity VCs. Aaron Krause is seeking $100,000 for a 10 per cent stake in his company, Scrub Daddy, an innovative cleaning accessories startup. Put yourself in the shoes of both the founder and the investors through exercises dealing with scenario planning, valuation and exit options.

Decorative Image relating to Sula Vineyards

Sula Vineyards: Growing the Grapevine

After quitting his corporate job at Oracle in California, Stanford-graduate Rajeev Samant returned to India to establish Sula Vineyards. Today, Sula is considered a true pioneer in India winemaking and has achieved many milestones in the last few decades. But in 2002, it was in a seedling state. Put yourself in the shoes of an investor to address valuation, the shareholder’s agreement, key assumptions, and an ongoing management role.

Capstone project

Regardless of the role you play in the VC ecosystem, there is merit in being persuasive and on point. The programme culminates in the creation of a pitch deck seeking series A (or later) funding for an entity of your choice. You will be provided with several templates as a starting point along with various elements to be included in the pitch deck.

Program faculty

Decorative Image relating to Marc Kitten

Marc Kitten

MBA, Partner and Co-Founder, Candesic, Visiting Professor in Finance, Imperial College Business School

Marc Kitten is a founding partner at Candesic Strategy Consultants in London. He has 25 years of experience in transactions and financial markets and advises corporations and financial investors in the areas of corporate strategy and corporate finance. He serves on the boards of several fast-growing companies. Before co-founding Candesic, he was a consultant at McKinsey & Co. in London and a Vice-President at Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt. More info

Featured guest speakers

Decorative Image relating to RUSSELL DEAKIN

Russell Deakin

Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at Aceana Group, a single family office (SFO) and advisery firm

Decorative Image relating to ETHAN LEVNER

Ethan Levner

Portfolio company executive, having held CFO and GM roles for Bridgepoint companies and other PE/VC investors

Programme Experience

Decorative image relating to Orientation

Orientation

Decorative image relating to Weekly assignments

Weekly assignments

Decorative image relating to Video lectures

Video lectures

Decorative image relating to Insights from guest speakers

Insights from guest speakers

Decorative image relating to Interactive activity

Interactive activity

Decorative image relating to Knowledge checks

Knowledge checks

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Continuous programme access

Decorative image relating to Associate alumni status

Associate alumni status

Certificate

Image relating to a certificate for the program

Certificate

Upon completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a verified digital certificate by Imperial College Business School Executive Education.

Please note that this programme contributes to earning Associate Alumni status. Visit the Associate Alumni page to find out more.

The Imperial learning experience

Human

At Imperial College Business School, we create people-centric learning experiences. From conception to delivery, we are guided by the principle that learning is a creative, personal and, above all, human process. Our high-quality, crafted learning environments are highly interactive, community-orientated and actively tutored. Our programmes offer an engaging experience designed to facilitate natural learning behaviours.

Real

No compromises. Our online programmes offer the absolute equivalent of our campus-based programmes. They adopt the same rigorous academic standards, are delivered via our world-leading faculty and offer a comparable approach to the classroom experience.

FAQs

  • How do I know if this programme is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the programme landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the programme brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions about whether this programme is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated programme adviser will follow up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this programme?

    Some programmes do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the programme landing page, as well as in the programme brochure. If you are uncertain about programme prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the programme web page, all programmes are taught in English, and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 per cent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry and geography—leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this programme be offered in the future?

    Check back at this programme web page or email us to inquire if future programme dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the programme brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.



    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this programme to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities, including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific programme schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The programme is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on programme activities.



    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 per cent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programmes said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the programme delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the programme in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated programme support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other programme participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the programme. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enrol. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the programme brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programmes are designed to fit into your working life.

    This programme is scored as a pass or no-pass. Participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programmes include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the programme brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific programme requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the programme, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter or resume and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.

    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the programme, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social networking platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this programme?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this programme. In some cases, there are credits that count towards a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the programme brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and programme materials for 12 months following the programme start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this programme?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the programme content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access programme content from a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you can view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the programme without missing any of the core programme material or learnings.


    What is the programme fee and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The programme fee is noted at the top of this programme web page and usually referenced in the programme brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this programme web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your programme adviser or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the programme you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific programme you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this programme?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the programme fee in instalments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the programme?

    Emeritus collects all programme payments, provides learner enrollment and programme support, and manages learning platform services.

  • What is the programme refund and deferral policy?

    For the programme refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisers or call us at +44 208 629 1765 (UK) / +1 315 509 2976 (US) / +65 3138 2451 (SG)

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