The course starts by exploring entrepreneurial ecosystems and systems thinking. The Technology Adoption Life Cycle is introduced to help explain market dynamics and support developing business strategy. Market research concepts and tools are presented that learners will apply to their course projects. Founder, key manager, and board member considerations are examined, and the qualities of effective leadership are reviewed. The operational structures and processes of a tech startup are identified, and the Balanced Scorecard is presented as a tool for tracking critical performance metrics. Learners will create a first draft of Product, Market, and Management & Operations Plans for their new product or service ideas.
Creating a Technology Startup Company
Creating a Technology Startup Company
This course is part of Technology Entrepreneurship Specialization
Instructor: John E. Thomas
2,007 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
35 hours to complete
3 weeks at 11 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
What you'll learn
By successfully completing this course, you will be able to describe the meaning of entrepreneurial systems thinking.
You will be able to identify the roles and responsibilities of founders, key management, and the board of directors.
You will also be able to summarize the components of operations in a technology startup and the value of tools for tracking metrics.
Lastly, you will be able to create Product, Market, and Management & Operations business plans.
Skills you'll gain
- Business Modeling
- Market Analysis
- Business Strategies
- Competitive Analysis
- Leadership
- Business Strategy
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership and Management
- Technology Strategies
- Product Management
- Systems Thinking
- Target Market
- Product Development
- Organizational Leadership
- Market Research
- Operational Analysis
- Performance Measurement
Details to know
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Assessments
6 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Technology Entrepreneurship Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 5 modules in this course
The first session presents the startup business environment as a complex ecosystem. Entrepreneurial systems thinking is introduced along with a whole company perspective. Value chains and supply chains are reviewed, and the five stages of the technology adoption life cycle are examined.
What's included
8 videos12 readings1 assignment1 peer review
The second session takes a detailed look at business models and introduces tools for constructing them. A Concept Quick Pitch is reviewed, and the core messages are defined. Business planning is presented as a dynamic process of processes with uses that may be internal or external to the firm.
What's included
6 videos9 readings1 assignment1 peer review
This session presents the concepts and methods of market segmentation and sizing, identifying target customers, and constructing a customer persona. SWOT analysis is presented as a tool for examining competitive threats. Porter’s five forces are introduced to explain the operational dynamics of a firm.
What's included
8 videos10 readings1 assignment1 peer review
In this session, the roles and responsibilities of founders, key management, and board of directors are introduced. Some of the important considerations and strategies for recruiting and retaining key management and boards are presented. The importance of effective leadership that includes authenticity and emotional intelligence is reviewed.
What's included
7 videos11 readings1 assignment1 peer review
The last session looks at some of the practical operational questions and considerations faced by a new technology startup. The productization process is summarized and the concept and use of a minimum value product is introduced. The Balanced Scorecard is presented as a method and tool for tracking critical performance metrics. Product, Market, Management & Operations business plan outlines are presented.
What's included
7 videos9 readings2 assignments1 peer review
Instructor
Offered by
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University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Boulder
Build toward a degree
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
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