Question 1

What are startups, and why are they important to learn about?

Accepted Answer

A startup is a new business that provides a unique product or service or delivers an existing product or service in an innovative way. While many startup companies fail, some of the most important tech companies shaping our daily lives began as startups, including Google, Facebook, and Tesla. And with new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and biotechnology creating previously-unthinkable business opportunities, it’s only a matter of time before the next world-changing entrepreneurial venture emerges.

Launching a successful startup company begins with having the right idea at the right time, inspired by an “innovation mindset” that searches out new possibilities for disruption in our current way of living or doing business. However, entrepreneurship requires much more than a creative vision. Especially in the early stages of a startup, founders must learn to work across virtually every area of a company.

Entrepreneurship requires a keen business sense, from the development of a workable business model to a viable exit strategy. Founders must also be skilled at marketing, with the ability to create an impactful slide deck and deliver a compelling elevator pitch to potential investors. They must be able to navigate the world of startup finance, with an understanding of how to establish a valuation for their company as well as the pros and cons of bootstrapping versus venture capital versus private equity. And, as with any business leader, successful entrepreneurs need great people skills to recruit and manage the right talent as their startup grows.

Question 2

What kinds of careers can I pursue with a background in startups?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve got an idea that can change the world, learning the myriad of entrepreneurship skills you need to launch a successful startup company can be a gateway to an exciting and rewarding career. However, becoming a famous and wealthy entrepreneur like Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg isn’t easy - it requires extraordinary passion and a tireless work ethic, as well as the determination to keep going through the inevitable hard times.

Aspiring entrepreneurs also have a lot of competition. According to the National Venture Capital Association’s annual yearbook, over 10,000 startup companies in the U.S. received $133 billion in funding from venture capital firms in 2019 - including nearly 4,000 early-stage startups. When you factor in additional U.S. startups funded through other financing channels, not to mention startups in other countries around the world, it’s clear that we live in a time of incredible possibilities for innovation as well as tens or even hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide working to make them a reality.

Question 3

Can I learn about startups by taking online courses on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Coursera gives you the opportunity to learn about every stage of the startup journey, from cultivating an innovation mindset to developing your exit strategy. You can take courses as well as Specializations spanning multiple courses from top-ranked schools including University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, Michigan State University, and London Business School. The flexible schedule and low cost of learning online also makes Coursera a great choice for picking up skills in computer science, marketing, or anything else you need to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.

Question 4

What kind of people are best suited for roles in startups?

Accepted Answer

Creative and self-motivated people are typically best suited for startup roles. Creativity can be important for generating new ideas, and self-motivation can be important for powering through unscheduled work sessions and getting unplanned tasks done. People who typically do well in startups need to be comfortable taking risks, and optimistic that those risks will pay off with financial rewards. Some other types of people who tend to be well suited for startups include highly organized people who can efficiently manage large clients. People who have strong negotiation and a talent for sales can also do well in startups.

Question 5

How do I know if learning about startups is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Learning about startups may be right for you if you like the idea of either starting your own business or joining a young business that can grow along with your career. If you enjoy poring over fine details and planning, it may be something that energizes you. If you enjoy using technology or working with financial information, learning about startups may be something that offers you a level of satisfaction. Possessing strong negotiation skills and having a unique business idea to develop can also typically help you do well in a startup setting.

Question 6

What topics can I study that are related to startups?

Accepted Answer

Entrepreneurship, business planning, and business modeling are some topics you can study that are related to startups. How to finance your business idea is another topic you can study in this area. You could also study topics related to communication skills to go along with your startup studies. Marketing can be a useful study area that’s related to startups because once your project is underway, reaching customers is typically vital to its success. Business law can also be useful and related to the study of startups, to ensure a startup remains in compliance with laws related to the new business.

Question 7

What types of places hire people with a background in startups?

Accepted Answer

New businesses and businesses that are going through big structural changes are among two types of places that typically hire people who have startup backgrounds. New companies might look for workers who are willing to work as freelancers or as part-time help as a way to cut labor costs when getting started. Established companies that are going through changes may look for people with backgrounds in startups to gain the advantage of working with someone who offers fresh, unconventional thinking and who is a risk-taker.

Question 8

What are the benefits of taking an online Startup course?

Accepted Answer

Online Startup courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Startup skills. Choose from a wide range of Startup courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

Question 9

What Startup courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

Accepted Answer

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Startup, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.

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Explore the Startup Course Catalog

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Beyond Silicon Valley: Growing Entrepreneurship in Transitioning Economies

Essentials of Entrepreneurship: Thinking & Action

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Planning: Principled, Proposing, Proofing, and Practicing to a Success Plan

Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies: The First Step in Entrepreneurship

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Frequently Asked Questions about Startup

What are startups, and why are they important to learn about?‎

What kinds of careers can I pursue with a background in startups?‎

Can I learn about startups by taking online courses on Coursera?‎

What kind of people are best suited for roles in startups?‎

How do I know if learning about startups is right for me?‎

What topics can I study that are related to startups?‎

What types of places hire people with a background in startups?‎

What are the benefits of taking an online Startup course?‎

What Startup courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?‎

Other topics to explore