University of Colorado Boulder
Forming, Funding, and Launching a Technology Startup Company
University of Colorado Boulder

Forming, Funding, and Launching a Technology Startup Company

John E. Thomas

Instructor: John E. Thomas

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

39 hours to complete
3 weeks at 13 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

39 hours to complete
3 weeks at 13 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 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.

Details to know

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Assessments

6 quizzes

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

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
  • Earn a shareable career certificate
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There are 5 modules in this course

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.

What's included

8 videos12 readings1 quiz1 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.

What's included

7 videos13 readings1 quiz1 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.

What's included

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.

What's included

6 videos12 readings1 quiz1 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.

What's included

8 videos12 readings2 quizzes1 peer review

Instructor

John E. Thomas
University of Colorado Boulder
6 Courses4,788 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Entrepreneurship

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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