The London School of Economics and Political Science
Entrepreneurial Finance
Navigate the dynamic landscape facing today’s start-ups. Gain insight into the mechanics of business evaluation and acquire the expertise on how to effectively present your entrepreneurial vision in real-world scenarios.
Start date
12 March 2025
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
6-8 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The all-time high amount attributed to global venture funding in the first half of 2021.
Crunchbase (Jul, 2021).
The percentage of Generation Z currently in the workforce who expect to start their own businesses in the next 10 years.
EY (Apr, 2021).
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The start-up ecosystem is flourishing due to shifting attitudes, technological advancements, and a growing investment landscape. Despite this, the failure rate for entrepreneurial endeavors remains high, with two out of three start-ups failing. Cash depletion and the inability to secure financing or investor interest are the primary reasons for this failure. However, entrepreneurs can take advantage of the available capital investment, as demonstrated by the record-breaking $8 billion invested in UK technology sector start-ups. The key is to have the skills to negotiate and pitch their ideas effectively to secure funding from the right investors at the right time. Similarly, investors must possess the insight to evaluate business opportunities accurately to make sound financing decisions in this emerging market.
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has designed the Entrepreneurial Finance online certificate course to address both sides of the investment paradigm. This six-week course, conducted entirely online, will equip you with the skills needed to navigate the current entrepreneurial landscape successfully. Through the course, you will learn to critically evaluate business opportunities, match financing needs with the most suitable investor type, and receive expert advice on negotiating with investors and selling your business concept. By the end of this course, you will have the tools to develop an effective pitch deck and prepare for real-life pitch scenarios.
Is this course for you?
This comprehensive course delves into the investment and entrepreneurial paradigms of the venture capital sector, catering to a wide range of professionals seeking to navigate the funding and business evaluation aspects of entrepreneurship. Whether you're an aspiring or current entrepreneur looking to pitch business ideas effectively and acquire funding, this course provides the tools and strategies to succeed. Additionally, executives or business owners can use the insights gained in this course to guide other entrepreneurs or invest in start-ups. This course offers valuable insights and knowledge for those interested in pursuing a career in venture capital or investors looking to upskill themselves.
This Entrepreneurial Finance online certificate course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The start-up ecosystem is flourishing due to shifting attitudes, technological advancements, and a growing investment landscape. Despite this, the failure rate for entrepreneurial endeavors remains high, with two out of three start-ups failing. Cash depletion and the inability to secure financing or investor interest are the primary reasons for this failure. However, entrepreneurs can take advantage of the available capital investment, as demonstrated by the record-breaking $8 billion invested in UK technology sector start-ups. The key is to have the skills to negotiate and pitch their ideas effectively to secure funding from the right investors at the right time. Similarly, investors must possess the insight to evaluate business opportunities accurately to make sound financing decisions in this emerging market.
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has designed the Entrepreneurial Finance online certificate course to address both sides of the investment paradigm. This six-week course, conducted entirely online, will equip you with the skills needed to navigate the current entrepreneurial landscape successfully. Through the course, you will learn to critically evaluate business opportunities, match financing needs with the most suitable investor type, and receive expert advice on negotiating with investors and selling your business concept. By the end of this course, you will have the tools to develop an effective pitch deck and prepare for real-life pitch scenarios.
Is this course for you?
This comprehensive course delves into the investment and entrepreneurial paradigms of the venture capital sector, catering to a wide range of professionals seeking to navigate the funding and business evaluation aspects of entrepreneurship. Whether you're an aspiring or current entrepreneur looking to pitch business ideas effectively and acquire funding, this course provides the tools and strategies to succeed. Additionally, executives or business owners can use the insights gained in this course to guide other entrepreneurs or invest in start-ups. This course offers valuable insights and knowledge for those interested in pursuing a career in venture capital or investors looking to upskill themselves.
This Entrepreneurial Finance online certificate course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
What will set you apart
The skills to secure funding sources for your business using a pitch deck.
The ability to evaluate business opportunities using a framework that considers people, opportunities, and context.
A sound understanding of company ownership and valuation methods.
The knowledge to value a business through multiple stages, and investigate scaling and exit strategies using an applied venture capital valuation method.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Evaluating business opportunities
Module 2
Financing needs, ownership, and returns
Module 3
The venture capital valuation method and multistage financing
Module 4
Pitching your business idea
Module 5
Term sheets and negotiation strategies
Module 6
Scaling up and exit strategies
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Course Convenor
Dr Juanita Gonzalez-Uribe
Associate Professor of Finance, Department of Finance, LSE
About the certificate
Gain knowledge about entrepreneurial finance, and earn an official certificate of competence from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
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Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
