Every entrepreneur falls in love with their idea, but how do you translate passion into a pitch that generates financial and management supporters? Working as teams, students are challenged to "think like an investor" and thoroughly demonstrate the commercial and financial viability of a new venture, whether a start-up or a company internal initiative. Though resourcing is addressed broadly, particular focus is paid to the investment decision - how to persuade an investor or supporter to part with their precious money. Through exposure to a wide variety of potential funding resources, including equity and non-equity options, crowdfunding, government grants, VC and Angel investors, students gain insights into factors that influence the viability and financial health of a business and steps they can take to increase venture valuation. Students use these insights to hone their value proposition, business model, competitive positioning and communication skills to build a professional pitch deck and presentation, tailored to their target audience.
This topic develops the analytical, financial, conceptual and critical communication skills required to attract financial and organisational support for a new venture. Students will be challenged to address the weaknesses of their proposed business and correct the flaws inherent in their business plan prior to developing a pitch, with a sharp focus on financial acumen.
In addition, students will learn to distinguish among the various sources of capital available to identify what financial agreements best suit their business model and situation. They will gain experience in seeing businesses through an investor's or supporter's lens and identifying what makes a venture more or less attractive to adoption and capital.
Through in-class engagement, students will work individually and in teams to learn to present their business case, solicit and incorporate feedback, and gain tactical insights for increasing the effectiveness of their appeal.
Timetable details for 2021 are no longer published.