HTE404
Alternative Financing Models versus Traditional Venture Capital Funding
Faculty
Susan Akbarpour
Managing partner at Candou Ventures
Course length
Duration
Total hours
Credits
Language
Course type
Fee for single course
Fee for degree students
Skills you’ll learn
Overview
This course explores real-world case studies of startups that have successfully utilized alternative financing models or traditional venture capital funding to drive their growth. The course will cover various funding methods, including crowdfunding, APO, SPAC, Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), debt financing, government funding programs, corporate venture capital, angel investing, impact investment, and Single-Purpose Vehicle (SPV)-driven funds. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits, challenges, and strategies associated with these financing options.
Learning highlights
- Understand the limitations of traditional venture capital funding for early-stage startups.
- Explore the emergence of crowdfunding, ICOs, and specially SPV-driven funds as a practical solution to democratize access and increase investor chances of finding successful companies.
- Analyze the unique benefits and advantages offered by SPV-driven funds, such as flexibility, scalability, and transparency.
- Discuss the challenges and complexities of the SPV model and strategies to address them effectively.
- Examine the role of technology solutions in managing multiple SPVs and optimizing operational efficiency.
- Learn how to communicate the benefits of SPV-driven funds to potential investors, emphasizing the unique opportunities they offer and the potential for increased returns and diversification.
Course outline
15 classes
Introduction to Alternative Financing Methods
Overview of traditional venture capital funding limitations.
Introduction to alternative financing methods, including crowdfunding, ICOs, APO,... and SPV-driven funds.
Debt Financing and Government Funding Programs
Exploring debt financing options for startups.
Understanding government funding programs and grants for startups.
Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)
Overview of corporate venture capital and its role in funding startups.
Discussing the benefits and considerations of partnering with corporate investors.
Debt Financing and Government Funding Programs
Exploring debt financing options for startups.
Understanding government funding programs and grants for startups.
Crowdfunding as a Funding Method
Exploring the benefits and challenges of crowdfunding.
Case studies of successful crowdfunding campaigns.
Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and Token Sales
Understanding the concept of ICOs and token sales.
Analyzing the benefits and risks associated with ICOs.
Angel Investing
Exploring the role and characteristics of successful angel investors in funding startups and the benefits they bring.
Understanding the motivations and expectations of angel investors and techniques for pitching to angel investors.
Impact Investing and ESG Considerations
Exploring the concept of impact investing and socially responsible investing and their growing importance.
Evaluating startups based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
Single-Purpose Vehicle (SPV)-Driven Funds
Introduction to SPV-driven funds and their advantages.
Real-world examples of successful SPV-driven funds (case studies).
Communicating the Benefits of SPV-Driven Funds with potential LPs
Strategies for effectively communicating the benefits of SPV-driven funds to potential investors.
Crafting compelling messaging and value propositions for different investor segments.
Regulatory and Legal Considerations in Alternative Financing specially SPVs
Understanding the regulatory and legal framework surrounding alternative financing methods.
Compliance requirements and best practices for startups seeking alternative funding.
Challenges and Complexities of the SPV Model
Discussing the challenges and complexities involved in implementing SPV-driven funds.
Strategies to address these challenges and ensure successful fund management.
Technology Solutions for Managing SPVs
Examining the role of technology solutions in managing multiple SPVs.
Exploring software and platforms that optimize operational efficiency in fund management.
Further Case Studies on Successful Alternative Financing Methods, Trends, and the Future of Alternative Financing Methods
Analyzing case studies of startups that have successfully utilized alternative financing methods.
Extracting lessons learned and best practices from these case studies.
Final Projects and Presentations
Students present their final projects, which could include analyzing a startup's funding strategy or proposing a financing plan for a hypothetical startup.
Peer feedback and class discussion on the projects.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of venture capital funding and early-stage investing
Familiarity with finance and investment terminology
Willingness to engage in group discussions and interactive activities
Access to a computer or device with internet connectivity for online sessions and course materials
Methodology
A combination of theory and practical case studies, guest speakers, and online resources and tools.
Grading
Susan is an accomplished entrepreneur and investor with extensive experience in product design and development. She has successfully founded and led start-ups in the advertising, retail, and media industries, driving digital transformation and fostering innovation. Susan holds a Master of Science in Management from Stanford GSB, where she remains actively engaged. She is also the founder of the Akbarpour Aalaei Fellowship, which grants scholarships to Farsi-speaking students at Stanford GSB.
Susan's expertise in the rapidly evolving Web 3.0 space has led her to serve on the boards of organizations such as Facenote, Cluster, and Entropy. Her contributions in these roles have been valuable in advancing the field. Additionally, Susan is deeply committed to advocating for public media and women's empowerment and sits on the boards of non-profit organizations like KQED, How Women Lead, and Moms Against Poverty.
See full profileApply for this course
Alternative Financing Models versus Traditional Venture Capital Funding
by Susan Akbarpour
Total hours
45 Hours
Dates
Nov 27 - Dec 15, 2023
Fee for single course
€1500
Fee for degree students
€750
How to secure your spot
Complete the form below to kickstart your application
Schedule your Harbour.Space interview
If successful, get ready to join us on campus
FAQ
Will I receive a certificate after completion?
Yes. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate signed by the director of the program your course belonged to.
Do I need a visa?
This depends on your case. Please check with the Spanish or Thai consulate in your country of residence about visa requirements. We will do our part to provide you with the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Enrollment.
Can I get a discount?
Yes. The easiest way to enroll in a course at a discounted price is to register for multiple courses. Registering for multiple courses will reduce the cost per individual course. Please ask the Admissions Office for more information about the other kinds of discounts we offer and what you can do to receive one.