Introductory description

This module has the aim of reviewing the financial, control and investment opportunities faced by rapidly growing companies in entrepreneurial settings.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Sources of financing, including alternative sources of finance and debt for entrepreneurial businesses
Use of venture capital and private equity as asset classes
Public and private financing
Deal structuring, legals and entrepreneurial company valuation
Recent deals and financing cycles
Qualitative aspects of entrepreneurial finance, including decision-making in entrepreneurial business, team and board dynamics, board effectiveness during rapid growth to achieve enterprise value

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the nature of financing entrepreneurial ventures
• Demonstrate a developed understanding of the finance needs, expectations and perceptions of smaller and rapidly growing businesses.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of planning for alternative forms of finance as market environments change
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes an attractive financing or investment proposition to an investor
• Analyse and draw upon relevant published research.
• Challenge the concepts and models presented on the course

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

Analyse and draw upon relevant published research.

Subject specific skills

Develop a strategy for improving a new venture which could enhance or facilitate its financing
Evaluate the different types of available financing options.

Transferable skills

Demonstrate problem solving skills developed through analysing business problems in case studies.
Demonstrate oral communication skills developed through presentation of cases and their theoretical and practical implications.
Demonstrate written communication skills developed through the individual assignment
Demonstrate an awareness of practical managerial issues