Instructors

Description

Overview

This course covers the entrepreneurial process from conception to commercialization or launch of a new venture focused on a consumer product. It looks at both process and people involved in assessing ideas, exploiting opportunities, gathering resources, and converting concepts into financially and technically viable businesses. We will pay particular attention to the ways in which students can apply their different skill sets and abilities to enter and succeed in business. The course seeks to help students think through the career path that makes the most sense for them given their particular backgrounds and aspirations in both an entrepreneurial or corporate environments.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and evaluate consumer product opportunities using customer, market, and industry insights.
• Apply entrepreneurial frameworks to assess venture feasibility and commercial potential.
• Develop compelling value propositions and business models for new consumer product ventures.
• Construct and defend strategies encompassing product development, go-to-market execution, and growth.
• Build and interpret financial models including budgets, profit and loss statements, and revenue forecasts.
• Analyze competitive landscapes, market dynamics, and industry structures to inform strategic decision-making.
• Develop effective communication skills, including elevator pitches, and pitch decks.
• Evaluate financing options and understand the fundamentals of venture capital, angel investment, and venture financing.
• Recognize key legal, intellectual property, regulatory, and organizational considerations as it relates to start-ups.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to develop and refine product and start-up concepts.
• Communicate entrepreneurial ideas persuasively through written, visual, and oral presentations.
• Integrate customer, financial, operational, and strategic considerations into a pitch deck and operational plan.
• Reflect on personal entrepreneurial strengths, leadership style, and career pathways within entrepreneurial and corporate environments.

Course topics and objectives

This course explores the process of transforming consumer product ideas into feasible and viable businesses. Through lectures, workshops, guest speakers, team projects, and investor-style presentations, students will develop the skills needed to identify opportunities, validate concepts, and launch new ventures. Topics include:

• Business Models & Value Creation
• Team Formation & Venture Leadership
• Market Analysis & Go-to-Market Strategy
• Financial Modeling & Venture Economics
• Venture Financing & Capital Formation
• Legal, Regulatory & Intellectual Property Strategy
• Entrepreneurial Communication & Investor Pitching
• Venture Launch & Growth