CSCI 16
Introduction to Tech Entrepreneurship Winter 2019

This is not the current course catalog

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental aspects of building a technology startup. It’s one thing to make software–and it’s another to build a successful software company. You will learn how to develop product/market fit, how to build an MVP (minimum viable product), how to market products on a budget, organizing and running a team, shipping software, and the different types of corporate structures. You’ll learn from a range of successful entrepreneurs and industry experts, through their writings as well as short guest appearances (via video calls) during classroom sessions. Students will create a demo and 5-minute pitch (pitch deck optional) by the end of the course. For the product demo, students can choose to produce either working code, a technical white paper, or design mockups/wireframes. Students will be graded on the quality of the product demo and pitch. Attendance and participation will also be taken into account for final grades. Students will have the opportunity to show off their final products, and their pitches, in an optional Demo Day. Adjunct Instructor Bio: Elissa Shevinsky ’01 helped launch Geekcorps (acquired), Everyday Health (IPO), Daily Steals, Glimpse, and Brave ($35M ICO.) Shevinsky was featured on the cover of the New York Times Sunday Business, for her startup Glimpse. Shevinsky is Editor of the book “Lean Out: The Struggle for Gender Equality in Tech and Startup Culture.”