Course syllabus for Finance for start-ups

Finansiering av start-ups

Specific entry requirements

No less than 120 credits.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to: - Understand and demonstrate knowledge of concepts and terminology relating to the funding of start-ups. - Establish and analyse basic financial reports and forecasts - Describe and discuss the funding sources that are available for start-ups. - Implement a basic economical valuation of a start-up. - Structure the terms and conditions of contracts between entrepreneurs and external investors. - Describe and analyse alternative exit opportunities for start-ups.

Content

The basic assumption of the course is that participating students have a limited knowledge of finance and a financial reports. One of the key learning objectives of this course the student will learn how to prepare and analyse financial information in an easy way. During the workshops, participants will practice on financial valuation and analysis. Participants are expected to have read the assigned material and case studies well before each session.

Teaching methods

The teaching will be based on lectures, literature, real case studies and exercises. Guest lecturers will also be invited to the course. Workshops and seminars are compulsory as are certain lectures. In case of absence contact the course administration for, possibly, a complementary assignment. Compulsory parts are given in the schedule.

Examination

Active participation (20% of a total of grade) The pedagogy of the course is based on active learning and much of the knowledge is generated through participation in exercises and in the classroom; for this reason, the participation will be recorded and graded. Extra points may be awarded to students based on contributing to lectures and seminars, level of participation, submission of questions to guest lecturers etc. 75% participation is required for a pass grade in the course. Before each occasion, participants are expected to have read the assigned materials and case studies carefully. Participation at guest lectures are compulsory. Individual submissions (25% of a total of grade) During the course, assignments related to class discussions will be disclosed. Instructions for these will are posted on the course web continuously. Submissions are expected to be submitted during the lecture and should not exceed one page. All submissions must be submitted to get an a pass on the course. Late submissions will at most get half of the original scores. After a graded submission has been reviewed with the student or after the submission has been reviewed in the class-room will no additional scores will be awarded. Literature test (20% of a total of grade) A literature test focused on evaluation of business plans will take place during the course. The exam covers material that has been discussed in class, and reading instructions during the course. Students who can not participate in the literature test must contact the course assistant before the scheduled date to schedule a new date. Group assignment and opposition (35% of a total of grade) Students are expected to be in groups of four to write a financial plan for any start-up (it should not be listed, be younger than 5-10 years with a maximum annual turnover of 25-30 mSEK). The students must themselves identify this company. The submitted report may not exceed 20 pages including appendices. During the last an opportunity, students are expected to present their plan. In addition, students will act as opponents on one of the other teams' plans. The opponents reflections should be submitted (at most 2 pages) and be presented at the last session of the course. A student who has failed in the regular examination, is entitled to participate in five more examinations. If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no more examination is offered/examination session. The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of a blank examination is regarded as an examination. An examination for which the student registered but not participated in, will not be regarded as an examination.

Transitional provisions

The examination will be provided during a period of two years after a close-down of the course. Examination may take place under a previous reading list, up to the next course occasion.

Other directives

Language of instruction is English. The course is provided in the context for Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship (SSES). Responsible department: Stockholm School of Economics (HHS)