The Start-up CFO

Entrepreneurs and founders of a start-up are confronted with many issues in a young company. Above all, solid financing forms the basis for the company's success. Only if the necessary capital is available can entrepreneurs build up the company and make investments accordingly.

How do you optimise your financing in a start-up? And how do you gain access to sources of financing and what sources are actually available? In this introductory course on Entrepreneurial Finance you will learn exactly that: You will learn which financing strategies and sources of financing exist and which investors are particularly relevant for start-ups. You will also learn more about the role and importance of a CFO in young companies.

Our tips and tricks will help you with the first steps in financing your company and give you practical advice on what to look out for.

Week 1: Introduction - What are the key aspects of entrepreneurial finance?

In this introductory week, we will explore the fundamental principles of entrepreneurial finance. You will learn why entrepreneurial finance is important and what liquidity planning and cash flow statements are. You will also familiarise yourself with the elements of financial controlling.

Week 2: Financing strategy - What are my options and how do I make my financing decisions?

This week focuses on the various financing options available to entrepreneurs. You will learn about basic theories of financing. You will also learn how to calculate the optimum capital requirement. An overview of different sources of financing rounds off the chapter.

Week 3: Business angels - What are business angels and how do I work with them?

Here you will gain a detailed insight into the world and working methods of business angels. You will learn about the various characteristics of business angels and the role they play on the capital market. We also explain how to choose the best business angel for your company.

Week 4: Getting started - How do I approach and convince investors?

In this chapter, you will learn how to write a business plan and what exactly a stress test is. You will also receive an introduction to creating a convincing pitch.

Week 5: Valuation - How do I figure out what my venture is worth?

This week is dedicated to understanding the methods and metrics used to determine the value of your startup.

Week 6: Common pitfalls - What should I watch out for to avoid common mistakes?

We will identify and analyze common pitfalls in entrepreneurial finance and provide practical advice on how to avoid these mistakes to ensure sustainable growth and success.