Astana Hub Microsoft: online courses for startup founders

We are sharing a selection of educational courses that will help startup founders develop their projects and attract investments.

Startup School by Astana Hub 

Course curriculum:

— What is a startup: you will learn about the differences between a startup and traditional business, and get familiar with the main terms commonly used in the startup community.

— Idea generation: you will receive a step-by-step guide on where to begin your journey into the startup world and where to find ideas.

— Communication: information on how to build a team, as well as insights into Customer Development.

— Market: market and audience analysis, profit and loss calculation.

— Business modeling: information on the Canvas business model. You will learn how to test your idea with minimal investment and receive advice on creating an MVP in various fields.

— How to attract investors: experts will share secrets of successful project presentations, discuss the stages of attracting investment, and highlight common mistakes made by startups.

Format: online

How to Validate your Startup Idea by UNSW 

Course curriculum:

— How to validate the relevance of an idea

— How to define the target audience

— How to interact with customers. 

Format: online

“FROM ZERO TO HERO. Combat Practicum for Founders” by Rocket University

Course curriculum:

— Data-driven entrepreneurship

— Building the right team

— Lawyers, advisors, and mentors

— Business models and Customer Lifetime Value

— Pricing and distribution strategies

— Preparation for scaling

— Finance: funding and valuation

— Finance: venture capital vs. alternative funding channels

— Elements of a successful pitch

— Business plan competition and pitch session. 

Format: online

Course “How to Attract Investment to a Startup” by Netology

Course curriculum:

— Where and at what stage to seek investment for a startup

— How to build a business model to attract investors and increase valuation

— How to avoid risks and protect your interests if things go wrong. 

— Intellectual property protection

— Accelerators and incubators

— Investment presentation.

Format: online

“Building an Early-Stage Startup” by Microsoft 

Course curriculum:

— Fundamentals of building a startup

— Validating startup ideas with customers

— Generating revenue

— Choosing a name and brand identity

— Building a team

— Raising funds for a startup

— Company presentation.

Format: online