Welcome to Introduction to Start-Up Fundraising & Angel Investing!  

Start-up fundraising & angel Investing are very much two sides of the same coin and, as such, the lessons here provide a comprehensive look into what both sides of the table commonly think, deal with, and negotiate around, ultimately providing you with a solid, in depth introduction.

Course components include videos, accompanying slidedecks, worksheets, self-assessment quizzes & a final exam, and are filled with relevant real-world examples.

Specific guidance and lecturer bios can be found under each Session subtopic.

Session 1:

This session will introduce you to the (1) major investment types along the capital stack, from early to late stage investment opportunities and the risks/rewards along the stack and (2) key qualitative due diligence topics that are essential to evaluate prior to making an investment in a venture.  In Session 2,  the more quantitative aspects of due diligence will be covered.

Session 2

 A core component of any investment consideration is the financial assessment, viability, sustainability and growth potential of a venture.  For new angel investors and entrepreneurs, this session introduces financial concepts and analyses of start-up ventures, company valuation and term sheet structures to best prepare both sides of the negotiating table.  Introductory topics include:

  1. Financial Statements  – How to Read and Begin to Analyze Them
  2. Financial Due Diligence of a Venture
  3. Valuation of Companies
  4. Capitalization Tables
  5. Term Sheets

Session 3

This session brings together all the topics covered in both Session 1 & 2, so you can begin to comprehensively assess prospective ventures as an experienced investor would OR, if an entrepreneur, prepare your fundraising portfolio from A-Z in anticipation of what investors will seek. This is a very hands-on session requiring calculators and worksheets.

Exercises are provided through:

1. The analysis of a mock venture, both in its early and more mature life cycle stages.
2. Real start-up case study presentations across the SaaS (software as a service), biotech and consumer sectors.
3. Final assessment + answer key.

Begin below.