Discover the Power of Venture Capital Investing
Did you know that the business of venture capitalism is a *$330 billion industry, a number that nearly doubled since last year? This course takes you inside the fast-paced world of venture capital investing, where money is raised to support new business ventures. Learn how startups raise money from external sources and understand the key concepts and terms of VC investing. Take on the role of an entrepreneur, and craft a convincing pitch to potential investors. If you’ve ever wanted to understand the various roles within this exciting field, this course is for you.
*SOURCE: Statista
Program Dates
Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Fees
$995
What is Venture Capital?
Learn the Core Concepts of Venture Capitalism
Learn the roles and concepts of VC. Discover how money is raised. Determine the conditions under which startups decide to source capital and explore funding options.
Delve Into the Venture Capital Ecosystem
Study how VC firms and investors make money, and the players needed to raise capital. Analyze market research, business models and valuation techniques for making a pitch.
Who Are Venture Capitalists?
Who are the investors in a VC deal? Learn how startups find investors. Describe the important relationship between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.
Create an Unforgettable Pitch That Funds Your Idea
Create a single-sentence description of your business. Describe your concept details, the terms of the “ask” and the potential of your business.
What Happens After the Pitch?
Learn what happens after startups have a successful pitch with a VC firm. Describe the due-diligence process and follow a deal through closing and post-investment support.
Explore Majors and Careers Related to Venture Capitalism
This course offers a background for college majors and career paths related to venture capital investing, such as finance, business, economics, accounting or portfolio management.
How You Will Benefit
- Define venture capitalism.
- Distinguish VC from other sources of funds.
- Understand the founder’s process of raising money from pitch to outcomes.
- Deliver a pitch as if you’re seeking VC funds.
- Discover the scope of the VC profession and upcoming trends.
- Complete a Final Project to demonstrate what you’re learned.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from William & Mary.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Project
This online course culminates in a Final Project that allows you to demonstrate what you’ve learned throughout the course, which you can add to your portfolio. For this project, you will:
- Create a six to eight minute recorded presentation, or pitch deck, that you would present to a venture capital firm.
- Assume the role of the founder of a business concept.
- Look to secure funding from a seed-stage venture capitalist. Your pitch should be thorough and compelling enough to share with a real venture capital firm.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you excel in your studies.
- Brainstorming and ideation to help you prepare for your Final Project.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Flexible format: you’ll learn through video lectures. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
June 11 - June 25
Finance: Venture Capital Investing
Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $995
Application Deadline: Sunday, June 4, 2023
June 25 - July 9
Finance: Venture Capital Investing
Length: 2 weeks
Cost: $995
Application Deadline: Sunday, June 18, 2023
July 9 - August 6
Finance: Venture Capital Investing
Length: 4 weeks
Cost: $995
Application Deadline: Sunday, July 2, 2023
All course options have the same educational content, learning materials and number of assignments. We are offering a condensed version of the course in order to accommodate students’ individual schedules.
Course Designed by William & Mary Faculty
Graham Henshaw, Executive Director of Entrepreneurship Center & Clinical Associate Professor
Graham Henshaw is a clinical associate professor at William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business and executive director of the Alan B. Miller Entrepreneurship Center.
Prior to joining William & Mary, Graham was the director of venture development at New Richmond Ventures – a Richmond-based venture capital firm investing in early-stage socially driven startups.
Graham brings to W&M a diverse background in product development, Fortune 500 strategic consulting and entrepreneurship. He leveraged his varied skill set to found Active Innovation Group in 2007. As a strategic consultant, Graham has worked with companies including General Electric, Kraft Foods, Toyota and GlaxoSmithKline to create products, services and messaging consistent with deep consumer insights.
Graham Henshaw earned an M.S. in mechanical engineering and a B.S. in mechanical engineering with a minor in industrial design from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are needed. Our application requires basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian. Then, tell us why you wish to take this course. Include your personal story through writing, video, photos — or any medium you prefer.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- Haven’t applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
- Applied to the program and didn’t fill out a scholarship request, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.wm.edu for assistance.
- Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.wm.edu for assistance.