BU660
Laurier Start-up Fund
0.5 Credit

The Laurier Start-up Fund course is a practicum that provides graduate students a hands-on education in early stage investing. The course allows students to conduct due diligence on early stage companies that are growing rapidly or aspiring to rapid growth. In particular, students will learn how to assess the company's (1) product development and testing (2) commercialization potential including size of addressable market and competitive position (3) sales strategy and planned steps to take market share (4) founders and key employees and their ability to plan and execute (5) financial prospects and (6) financing options. Students are required to write a report and make a formal recommendation to an investment committee comprised on seasoned angel investors. The course involves students in the management of $1.5 million provided by community donors.