Special Topics (495-0-3)
Topic
NUvention: Launch
Instructors
Lillian Gabriela Zakarija
Eduardo L Acuna
Meeting Info
Ford Hive Annex 2340: Wed 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Overview of class
NUvention: Launch is an experiential course for student teams that have a preliminary value proposition and have performed initial customer discover and business model development. Student teams from NUvention courses or with previous work experience from the Garage are perfectly positioned to take advantage of this course's offerings, though student teams not associated with either are also welcome to apply. A minimum of two students from each startup team must enroll in the class.
The goals of this course are to further develop:
Founding Team Dynamics- through exercises and engagement that strengthen communication, collaboration, and ethical leadership
Company Culture- with a focus on mission, vision, values, internal/external positioning, and brand
Financial Acumen- via a deep dive into the startup's financial statements and forecasts
Market and Customer Discovery- using hands-on iteration of fundamental entrepreneurial processes to strengthen value propositions, business models, and minimum value products (MVPs) with an eye towards meaningful customer engagement
Entrepreneurial Muscle - by exercising presentation/pitching skills, networking, and resource utilization to leverage the strength of NU's entrepreneurial eco-system
Class Notes
NUvention: Launch Course Enrollment Instructions
To enroll in NUvention: Launch, you must request permission by email. Send an email to farley@northwestern.edu that includes a description of your startup, your motivation for taking the course, and names of Northwestern faculty or staff who can serve as references.
At least two members from each startup team must enroll in the class. Enrollment is not automatic and requires approval. Please note that your team cannot participate unless the minimum enrollment requirement is met.