The course will introduce you to the theoretical aspects of doing business, and in the next semester you will work with the created team on your own project and prepare it for an international startup competition.

For: those who want to understand innovative business from theory to practice, without prior training

Who teaches: Arctic University of Tromso, Technical University of Varna KAU, G-Force venture fund

When: October 9 - December 15

Does it give credits? Yes, can be counted as an elective course

This course is for you if

you are working with deep tech innovations in the lab, but have little knowledge about bringing them to market
you want to develop the market readiness of your project
you want to gain knowledge and confidence in talking with potential investors
you are willing to try yourself in an international startup competition

On completion the course, you’ll walk away with:

A theoretical background on launching your own highly innovative and sustainable business
Tools, frameworks and practices to help you proceed with your scientific work from lab to market
A team of dedicated like-minded fellows, to continue with your project for the next stage of the course
An opportunity to join a European innovation ecosystem together with students, researchers and innovators from across Europe

Course curriculum

Topic1. Introduction: basics of a healthy business

Short description goes hereThe essence of sustainability and the concept of sustainability are examined from the perspective of its triad - business, society, and the environment. Goals and strategies for sustainability from the UN and EU are presented, as well as their transformation into key EU policies, drawing parallels with business development in their context. The essence of the EU taxonomy and the reason for the growing interest of businesses in its implementation are discussed. The fundamental methods used to measure business sustainability are presented. The course also introduces entrepreneurship as a management concept and presents an algorithm for generating rational ideas for the development of a sustainable business.

Topic 2. Team startups

Venture capitalists often state that they invest in the management team, not the technology, that means that success of startup depends on the team. Before starting venture creation it is important to conclude founders agreement which is taking into account all issues of team work. Instruments of vesting and cliff are widely used to fix responsibilities and roles of each member of founders team. There are five important functions each company perform, and start up are not an exemption - each function should be assigned for team member, and some technics are used for that. Startup’s communication and leadership requires skills and emotional intelligence to ensure team development and stakeholders engagement. There are some tools to practice which may help to acquire necessary communication and leadership skills.

Topic 3. Introduction to business models/EARTH Centered Business Design

With this topic, students will be able to learn about successful business models applicable to startup companies, the fundamental elements of a business model, and how to create your own successful business model. You will also learn how to apply your new technological methods in the most marketeffective manner, how to prepare the perfect business plan to aid you in finding the investors necessary for realizing your idea.

Topic 4. Market analysis

Market analysis delves into a comprehensive exploration of various aspects related to evaluating market dynamics and trends. It examines crucial questions such as identifying customer preferences and needs, understanding competitor strategies, assessing market size and growth potential, and predicting future demand. This topic covers methodologies for data collection, interpretation, and drawing actionable insights from market research. Additionally, it delves into the significance of market segmentation, targeting specific consumer groups, and developing effective marketing strategies based on the acquired insights. The topic aims to equip learners with the analytical tools necessary to make informed business decisions, capitalize on opportunities, and mitigate risks within diverse market environments.

Topic 5. Minimum viable product and product iterations

This topic examines the product and its life cycle within the context of the sustainability concept and the transition to a circular economy. The topic presents various methods for calculating the cost of the product, and this is done within the context of the discussed issues.

Topic 6. Customers engagement & branding

The Marketing segment of the course delves into selecting optimal distribution channels, employing promotion tactics via digital marketing and traditional advertising, while emphasizing unique value propositions. It further explores cultivating enduring customer engagement and loyalty, leveraging feedback to enhance products, and addressing budget allocation alongside tracking ROI. Additionally, it underscores the paramount importance of strategic branding in shaping a strong and recognizable identity that resonates with the audience. By addressing these aspects, students will be well-prepared to create a comprehensive market plan aligning their startup's product with the target audience and utilizing effective marketing strategies for success in a competitive market environment.

Topic 7/8. Financial planning.

An overall plan of the organization and the conduct of financial analysis within a company is presented. Key indicators characterizing the state and activities of the business are discussed. Relationships and dependencies between the examined indicators are presented. The topic also addresses start-up companies as subjects for rational investment. goes a 1-paragraph description of the topic.

Topic 9. Legal and tax aspects of running a business

This topic covers issues related to the registration of a commercial company, the tax policy in a European country, and legal aspects of the new company's operations. Various possibilities for financing entrepreneurial activities are discussed, including both loan financing and funds from European Structural and Investment Funds. Opportunities for practical training and gaining experience for young entrepreneurs through the 'Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs' program are also presented. The content of this topic will be adjusted to region specifics.

Topic 10. Investment readiness and raising funds

From this topic, students will learn about the different types of investors, how investment funds operate, and how to find a suitable investor for realizing a startup business. Students will also become familiar with various options for financing a startup business and what the possibilities are for funding startups.

You will receive: Weekly online sessions with national tutors in Ukrainian, Bulgarian, or English 2 international networking sessions to form teams for the Venture Creation Course. About the SEEDPlus project.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

YOU CAN CHOOSE SEVERAL OPTIONS IN DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS:

1. Registration on the portal.

2. Fill out the pre-registration form

3. If you want to get a consultation: e-mail: o.voropai@kau.edu.ua

Venture Creation Course SEEDplus