Venture Simulation
Code
2364
Academic unit
null
Department
null
Credits
3,5
Teacher in charge
Antonio Marinho Torres
Teaching language
English
Objectives
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the challenges faced by an entrepreneur developing and managing a new venture in a high-tech industry. Students manage a start-up from seed to exit in a computer-simulated environment, experiencing the difficulties and thrills of turning a technological development into a successful high-growth business. This hands-on approach is supported by a structured framework (InFACt) based on the four essential elements to turn ideas into successful businesses: innovativeness, feasibility, attractiveness, and clarity. Innovativeness, addresses the question: Is it a good idea?- focusing on customer value proposition, go-to-market strategy, and business model, feasibility addresses the question: Can you make it happen? - focusing on competitive advantage, team capability, and growth path, attractiveness addresses the question: Does it make money focusing on market sizing, financial models, and funding strategy? Finally, Clarity addresses the question: Can you explain it?- focusing on mission statement, elevator pitch, and business plan.
Prerequisites
Subject matter
Bibliography
Teaching method
This course is delivered through a three-pronged approach:
-(1) venture simulation: students participate in groups of four to six in the EntrepSim Venture Simulation, managing a start-up from seed to exit across five rounds, each involving group discussions and a decision on the way forward;
-(2) business plan: students work on a brief business plan for a new product, service, or venture of their choice, producing and presenting a short report;
-(3) lectures: there are six formal lectures in which relevant topics are presented, together with discussions on related case studies, venture simulation results, and group presentations.
Evaluation method
A. Individual assignments:
-Final exam (40%)
-Class participation (10%)
B. Group assignments:
-Short business plan (25%)
-EntrepSim Venture Simulation (15%)
-Case-study report (10%)