How to Build a Start-Up that Scales

Registration

Preconditions

Students attending this course must have completed the “Einführungsstudium”. It is strongly recommended that you already have completed the course “Strategische Unternehmungsführung”/”Strategic Management”.

Students should be proficient in English and should have a strong genuine interest in the topic of entrepreneurship and startups.

Teaching Approach and Performance Evaluation

The course will be taught weekly. There will be group assignments throughout the semester and presentations at the end of the term. Detailed information will be provided in class.

Regular attendance of the classes is required. Taking the course online without attending classes is not possible.

Course Description

This 12-lecture series equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the critical knowledge and skills to build a scalable startup. From idea validation to go-to-market strategies, the course covers essential elements of business growth. Students will develop a comprehensive scale-up case study throughout the course, culminating in a presentation and potential prize. Guest lectures from successful entrepreneurs provide real-world insights, enriching the academic framework.

Learning Outcomes

By taking this course, students will be able to: 

• Gain a foundational understanding of what scalability means for startups and the key success factors involved.
• Learn how to validate a startup idea through market research, including identifying target customers and analyzing competition.
• Acquire the skills to ensure that a proposed solution effectively addresses a well-defined problem, understanding customer pain points and value proposition.
• Master the art of crafting a business model that not only suits the market but is also scalable.
• Develop skills in using key performance indicators and data analytics to make informed decisions for scaling a business.
• Learn various strategies for business growth, from organic to inorganic methods, including global expansion.
• Through the development and presentation of a scale-up case study, apply the theories and strategies learned in the course to simulate real-world startup scaling scenarios.

Teaching Approach and Performance Evaluation

Course materials will be available on ILIAS.

Tentative Course Overview (subject to change)