Foundations of Venture Capital (Online)

Navigate the entire deal flow process — from sourcing through to exit

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

April 18, 2024

Course Duration

DURATION

6 weeks, online
4–6 hours per week

Course Fee
Course Fee

For Your Team

Enroll your team and learn with your peers

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Early Registration Benefit

Apply now to secure your place at US$2,496 by . Connect with a learning advisor for more information.

Navigate the Early-Stage Venture Capital Landscape with Confidence

Whether your endgame is investing in the right startups or exploring your role in the VC ecosystem, here is your chance to examine the fundamentals of the early-stage VC landscape. Get to know the players, understand the risks and rewards, and develop a systematic approach to evaluating opportunities.

Based on lessons garnered from 20,000 pitches and 20 years of experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, Angela Lee distills the venture capital landscape into a convenient six-week learning journey.

49%

The number of job postings with "venture capital" as a required skill increased by 49 percent in 2021, as compared to 2020.

Source: EMSI

$621B

Global VC funding surged to $621B in 2021, 2X the level in 2020 and ~10X the level from ten years ago.

Source: CB Insights

Key Takeaways

After participating in this program, you will be able to:

  • Evaluate the investment potential of startups with more confidence
  • Identify sources for deal flow and select the best organizations to invest in
  • Develop a personal networking plan for your VC ecosystem
  • Interpret the fundamental characteristics of term sheets
  • Apply different methods to determine a startup’s value
  • Identify key elements to consider when developing and managing a VC portfolio

Who Should Attend?

  • Mid- to senior-level finance professionals seeking to expand their practice to include more early-stage investment opportunities, understand how to value these organizations, and develop an understanding of the VC ecosystem
  • Entrepreneurs, founders, and their senior management at startups seeking to understand the key drivers of investment decisions, how to get "into the deal flow," and how to secure funding for their venture
  • Corporate investors seeking a model for evaluating potential acquisitions for their innovation, specialized IP, talent, or other desirable factors
  • VC ecosystem players, such as professionals from law organizations, accounting organizations, and benefits organizations, that support the needs of startups and VCs alike

Program Modules

Module 1:

What Is Venture Capital?

Whether your endgame is investing in the right high-growth startup or exploring your role in the VC ecosystem, you will examine the fundamentals of the venture capital landscape. You will get to know the players and their roles and examine the people and organizations in your network.

Module 2:

What Makes a Good Investment?

Unpack the due diligence process, a crucial checkpoint in determining whether a startup is aligned with your investing goals. This process shines a light on the inner workings of a startup as well as the market potential for its products and services. The four Ps model serves as a trusted framework for evaluating the investment potential of any startup.

Module 3:

What Matters in a Term Sheet?

Enter into the negotiation phase of the deal flow process by reviewing the deal structure, financial terms, and governance terms. Activities and resources are designed to deepen your understanding of what really matters in a term sheet.

Module 4:

How to Value a Startup?

Review various methodologies and the necessary components to determine a startup’s value. This module delves deeper into the final "P" in the diligence process — price — and you will hone your skills through several Excel demonstrations.

Module 5:

How to Manage a Portfolio?

Once an investment is made, there is still a tremendous opportunity to support the startup. Understand the actions that can add value, build trust, and demonstrate integrity. In addition, you will study general industry returns and calculate returns based on two methods: cash-on-cash multiple and internal rate of return (IRR).

Module 6:

Lessons Learned from 20,000 Pitches

Lee shares her insights on the lessons learned from roughly 20,000 pitches that she and her organization, 37 Angels, have been on the receiving end of. You will explore examples that illustrate what to look for when researching new startups as well as advice on how to develop your personal networking plan and how to get started with a career in the venture capital industry.

Module 1:

What Is Venture Capital?

Whether your endgame is investing in the right high-growth startup or exploring your role in the VC ecosystem, you will examine the fundamentals of the venture capital landscape. You will get to know the players and their roles and examine the people and organizations in your network.

Module 4:

How to Value a Startup?

Review various methodologies and the necessary components to determine a startup’s value. This module delves deeper into the final "P" in the diligence process — price — and you will hone your skills through several Excel demonstrations.

Module 2:

What Makes a Good Investment?

Unpack the due diligence process, a crucial checkpoint in determining whether a startup is aligned with your investing goals. This process shines a light on the inner workings of a startup as well as the market potential for its products and services. The four Ps model serves as a trusted framework for evaluating the investment potential of any startup.

Module 5:

How to Manage a Portfolio?

Once an investment is made, there is still a tremendous opportunity to support the startup. Understand the actions that can add value, build trust, and demonstrate integrity. In addition, you will study general industry returns and calculate returns based on two methods: cash-on-cash multiple and internal rate of return (IRR).

Module 3:

What Matters in a Term Sheet?

Enter into the negotiation phase of the deal flow process by reviewing the deal structure, financial terms, and governance terms. Activities and resources are designed to deepen your understanding of what really matters in a term sheet.

Module 6:

Lessons Learned from 20,000 Pitches

Lee shares her insights on the lessons learned from roughly 20,000 pitches that she and her organization, 37 Angels, have been on the receiving end of. You will explore examples that illustrate what to look for when researching new startups as well as advice on how to develop your personal networking plan and how to get started with a career in the venture capital industry.

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Final Capstone Project: Hear the Pitch, Assess the Potential

As will be discussed in the program, accelerators sponsor Demo Days, where they showcase their participating organizations for investors (in some cases, thousands of investors).

As part of the capstone experience, participants will review the recording of an actual Demo Day. Based on the information presented by the startups, participants will review and assess two of these startups in order to arrive at an initial investment assessment.

Organization Examples

Green Juice Market

Participants will delve into how to determine the target customer for particular green juice brands and what questions to ask when sizing the market.

Meal Kit Market

By assessing the meal kit brand landscape, participants will assess market segmentation and identify direct and indirect competitors.

EdTech Market

Participants will identify what domain expertise means, what to look for when assessing it, and why it is important when evaluating a founding team.

Network Development

Joining the Foundations of Venture Capital (Online) program from Columbia Business School Executive Education means meeting other motivated professionals from around the globe. The experience is defined by the exchange of rich ideas and the development of your professional network that will serve you well in the VC arena and beyond.

Program Experience

World-Renowned Faculty

Learn from accomplished faculty, and industry experts whose diverse backgrounds encompass a broad range of disciplines

Peer Interaction

Stimulating discussions with like-minded global peers expand your professional network and build a supportive community

Case Studies

Through exploratory sessions, examine practical examples and find innovative solutions to strategic challenges

Engaging Assignments and Activities

Hone business acumen and executive skills with try-it activities that help you redefine your potential

Capstone Project

Engage in a multifaceted experience where you apply program learnings to a real-world case

Recorded Investor Interviews

Recorded Investor Interviews Picture of Ian Sigalow

Meet Ian Sigalow

Co-founder and co-managing partner of Greycroft, a seed-to-growth VC organization that manages $2 billion in funds

Recorded Investor Interviews Picture of Allison Baun Gates

Meet Allison Baum Gates

A general partner at SemperVirens Venture Capital, an early-stage fund focused on organizations transforming the future of work

Program Faculty

Angela Lee

Professor of Professional Practice, Columbia Business School

Angela Lee is an award-winning professor and former Chief Innovation Officer at Columbia Business School, where she teaches venture capital and leadership programs. Angela started her career in product management and then moved to consulting at McKinsey & Company. More info

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

Certificate

Upon completion of the Foundations of Venture Capital (Online) program, you will receive a certificate of participation from Columbia Business School Executive Education. This certificate also awards two credits towards the Certificate in Business Excellence, which grants select alumni and tuition benefits. Learn More

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Your digitally verified certificate will be issued in your legal name and emailed to you, at no additional cost, upon completion of the program, including all modules of the program (online, in person, or live online, inter-module). All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Columbia Business School Executive Education.

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FAQs

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

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


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

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


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


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent 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 program be offered in the future?

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

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program 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 program 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 program 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 program 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 program 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 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs 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 program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program 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 program participants?

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

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

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

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


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, 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, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, 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 platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program 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 program materials for 12 months following the program 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 program?

    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 program 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 program 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 may 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 program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


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

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

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program 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 program advisor, 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 program 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 program you’re interested in enrolling in.


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

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. 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 program?

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

  • What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program 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 Advisors or call us at +1 315 387 4431 (US) / +44 203 838 0836 (UK) / 65 3138 4449 (SG)

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Flexible payment options available. Learn more.