VC Due Diligence (Online)

Develop industry-ready skills for evaluating startups

Download Brochure

Get Your Brochure

Course Date

STARTS ON

April 3, 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

Learn More

Master Due Diligence for Investment Opportunities

Due diligence can create transparency and insights when evaluating potential investments. The process helps investors drive profitability and minimize risk, and startups can use it to improve their potential for securing funding. Despite these benefits, many do not build due diligence into their dealmaking strategy. According to PwC, 8 out of 10 companies fail the M&A process due to a lack of pre-transition due diligence.

Designed and led by expert faculty Angela Lee, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia Business School and founder of 37 Angels, a startup investment network that has evaluated over 25,000 deals, the VC Due Diligence (Online) program provides a framework for learning the due diligence process, focusing on the core elements that help indicate whether a deal has the potential to succeed in today’s volatile market.

61%

Percentage of executives who predict an increase in M&A activity in their industry in the next 12 months

Source: KPMG

77%

PE & VC professionals who spend more than three-fourths of their time on due diligence, portfolio monitoring, deal sourcing, and valuation.

Source: Acuity’s 2022 PE&VC SURVEY

Key Takeaways

At the end of this program, you will be able to:

  • Identify the success and risk factors investors look for during diligence
  • Gauge the current and future business environment to uncover the potential challenges and liabilities of investing in a startup
  • Utilize valuation methodologies to pressure test a startup’s stated valuation
  • Interpret the fundamental characteristics of term sheets to outline the terms and conditions of a deal, thereby facilitating the diligence process
  • Conduct due diligence for a potential venture capital fund from two perspectives, as a limited partner and potential employee, to expand your influence in the field
  • Apply learnings to a number of real startup case studies

Program Modules

Module 1:

People — How to Assess

Understand the makeup of a due diligence team, the people, their roles, how they work together, and if they possess that “it factor” you are seeking.

Module 2:

Problems — What to Look For

Learn to assess the market based on factors investors use when performing diligence of a problem.

Module 3:

Progress — Metrics That Matter

Discover how startups measure their progress and the success of their customer acquisition plans.

Module 4:

Price — Terms That Matter

Dive deeper into term sheets. Which instrument should you raise on? How much has the founder raised and at what evaluation?

Module 5:

Conducting Diligence for a Fund

Learn the qualitative and quantitative measurements for evaluating a venture fund or general partner, whether you are an employee, a limited partner, or a startup.

Module 6:

Lessons in Diligence

Explore the last decade of innovations in sourcing, selecting, and supporting startups, and learn how to review your anti-portfolio.

Module 1:

People — How to Assess

Understand the makeup of a due diligence team, the people, their roles, how they work together, and if they possess that “it factor” you are seeking.

Module 4:

Price — Terms That Matter

Dive deeper into term sheets. Which instrument should you raise on? How much has the founder raised and at what evaluation?

Module 2:

Problems — What to Look For

Learn to assess the market based on factors investors use when performing diligence of a problem.

Module 5:

Conducting Diligence for a Fund

Learn the qualitative and quantitative measurements for evaluating a venture fund or general partner, whether you are an employee, a limited partner, or a startup.

Module 3:

Progress — Metrics That Matter

Discover how startups measure their progress and the success of their customer acquisition plans.

Module 6:

Lessons in Diligence

Explore the last decade of innovations in sourcing, selecting, and supporting startups, and learn how to review your anti-portfolio.

For full curriculum details, please download the brochure.

Who Should Attend?

  • Venture capital and private equity investors, including angel investors and HNIs, who are interested in investing in startups and wish to build the skills and confidence to conduct thorough evaluations, minimize risk, and maximize fund performance in a volatile market
  • Entrepreneurs who want to develop an understanding of the investor’s perspective and learn strategies to increase their potential to secure funding for early-stage startups during uncertain times
  • Mid-to senior finance professionals who wish to learn an exact due diligence framework that will help them succeed in an M&A role, particularly one that evaluates startup acquisitions
  • Consultants and financial advisors who want to excel at comprehensive due diligence in order to build investment solutions for their clients

Case Studies and Industry Examples

Gain insights into current industry trends by reviewing real world case studies and industry examples, including several Shark Tank videos.

Network Development

Being a part of the VC Due Diligence (Online) program from Columbia Business School Executive Education means engaging with other motivated professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and industries. Discussions and collaborative activities, such as a final peer review of your due diligence plan, will give you the opportunity to solidify your learnings, exchange rich ideas, and broaden your perspective, serving you well as you navigate the complexities of dealmaking and advance your career. You will leave the program with an enduring professional network you can source for ideas and opportunities.

Hands-On Activities

  • Analyze term sheets to identify an optimal investing scenario
  • Apply due diligence best practices using a real-world investment scenario
  • Calculate post-money valuations to predict investment performance
  • Calculate gross IRR and gross multiple to evaluate a venture fund
  • Keep a learning journal to document your learning experience
  • Size a potential market, and identify indicators of an attractive competitive landscape
  • Develop a diligence plan based on what matters to you as an investor

Program Experience

World-Renowned Faculty

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

Guest Speakers

Accomplished academics and experts offer unique perspectives and the opportunity to put learning into practice

Peer Interaction

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

Engaging Assignments and Activities

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

Case Studies

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

Download Brochure

Program Faculty

Profile picture of program faculty, Angela Lee

Angela Lee

Professor of Professional Practice in Finance, Faculty Director, The Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center, 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 VC Due Diligence (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

Download Brochure

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.

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)

Apply Now

Early registrations are encouraged. Seats fill up quickly!

Flexible payment options available. Learn more.