A99001 Inside Tech Ventures

• To learn about the specific opportunities and challenges faced by tech-based startups – from trends and venture formation to growth management and financing.
• To discover a variety of resources available for education and networking purposes, as well as exposure to current events on the tech industry at large.
• To understand the unique sources of capital available to tech startups and how a company positions itself for specific funding events.
• To become well versed in the current tech scene in Silicon Valley.

This is a predominantly case-based course structured to lead students through the evolution of a tech venture, from concept to exit. The goal is to understand the specific nuances that new companies in the tech industry face. In addition to cases on leading tech companies, students will utilize a variety of sources (including the WSJ and online tech publications) for project work and to keep the conversation current and relevant. The course is not about building and launching a tech company, but rather an opportunity to firmly understand the ever-evolving tech industry as a whole.

Content is learned largely through case discussions and analysis. Students will be doing a considerable amount of group work, but there are plenty of assignments to be completed individually (tech/coding assignments, report). There will be plenty of learning opportunities through self-discovery exercises.

The attendance is compulsory and only attending students will be admitted to the final exam. There will be only one exam date. If students fail the exam or reject the mark obtained they will not have a second chance to retake the exam.