Special Topics (495-0-1)
Topic
Startup Launch
Instructors
Karen E Gordon
Eduardo L Acuna
Meeting Info
Ford Design Studio 1 Rm 1230: Tues 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Overview of class
Startup Launch is an experiential course that focuses on identifying, and reducing, the risks associated with successfully implementing your new venture. We will focus on verifying, or disproving, assumptions associated with various aspects of the startup including the customer, the product, and the business model. The course is designed for student teams (two or more people) that have identified a solid value proposition and an initial business model concept. Teams will use prototypes or Minimum Viable Product (MVP), as well as customer discovery methods to validate assumptions with target customers weekly. Each week, teams will create testing plans for the coming week and present findings from the previous week's engagement with customers. Specific focus is paid to the de-risking process and development of productive team dynamics. Throughout the journey, student teams will present and defend their progress and engage in mentoring sessions with seasoned entrepreneurs. At the end of the course, teams will have refined their business models and developed the skills and habits necessary to reduce risk and take their startup to the next level.
Registration Requirements
Are you ready to take your startup to the next level? Submit an application with your teammates by the priority deadline of 11:59 PM on FEBRUARY 19th to be considered for a seat in the class. (Note: only one application per team is required.) Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. Please direct any questions about the class or application to farley@northwestern.edu.
APPLICATION LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgCDpYNikuuOsnMa-nIivgQqKPcWNlBctcN02qQkhTZ7R4oQ/viewform
Class Materials (Required)
REQUIRED BOOK:
TESTING BUSINESS IDEAS by Bland and Osterwalder, Wiley (Paperback: 978-1-119-55144-7 Ebook: 978-1-119-55142-3); approx. $30
Various Harvard Business Review Articles Cost: Approx $30
Class Notes
APPLICATION REQUIRED: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgCDpYNikuuOsnMa-nIivgQqKPcWNlBctcN02qQkhTZ7R4oQ/viewform