The Entrepreneur's Playbook - case studies by VCs and founders

“The Entrepreneur’s Playbook” offers TUM students the chance to gain deep insights into the world of venture capital and entrepreneurship. The course is structured around direct interactions with successful venture capitalists and founders, providing both theoretical knowledge and hands- on experience. The seminar includes guest lectures, workshops, and project work. Students will work in interdisciplinary teams to develop pitch decks for start-up ideas, guided by feedback from experienced VCs and entrepreneurs. The course culminates in a pitch session where teams present their work.

The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application in “The Entrepreneur’s Playbook” is designed to enhance students' understanding of venture capital and entrepreneurship. The course aims to equip students with the skills and insights necessary to navigate the start-up ecosystem successfully. Students will learn: How to develop and present effective decks for VCs. The current trends and challenges in the start-up and venture capital industry. How to identify and address critical issues in start-up development, including market fit and customer empathy. The principles of working efficiently in interdisciplinary teams to solve real-world business problems. Critical thinking, reflection, and the application of concepts to real-world entrepreneurial challenges. Presentation and public speaking skills, including how to prepare and deliver impactful pitches.

Creation of a pitch/ learning deck per student (70%), Presentation of the deck in a final presentation (30%), Participation desired in guest lectures and workshops, Evaluation and feedback session at the end of the seminar.

Basic knowledge in entrepreneurship and venture capital, academic exellence

The course employs a combination of lectures, guest lectures, interactive workshops, and project work to achieve its learning outcomes. Lectures and guest lectures provide foundational and advanced knowledge about venture capital and start-up dynamics, ensuring students have a strong theoretical base. Workshops are interactive and cover key topics such as product-market fit, customer empathy, and business modeling. These sessions are designed to enhance practical skills and facilitate the application of theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios. Project work is a central component where students conduct independent research and develop pitch decks. This process includes preparing educational content, presenting their findings, and receiving feedback from peers and experts. The iterative feedback process helps students refine their projects and improve their presentation skills. These methods encourage critical thinking, self-assessment, and collaborative learning, preparing students for the challenges of the entrepreneurial world.