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263-5053-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-BSSE , D-INFK
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Technology Investing

Lecturers & Examiners: PD Dr. Alexander Ilic, Cynthia Jurytko, Dr. Arnout Devos, Melanie Gabriel
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:54

Abstract

Venture Capital is important to fund big transformational ideas and is often misunderstood by tech or research entrepreneurs. This lecture immerses participants in the role of a Venture Capitalist (VC) to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and investors. In small teams, you work on a case of a real start-up and defend the case in a simulated investment committee consisting of experienced VCs.

Objective

After attending this course, students will be able to: - Explain the differences between VC and founder thinking - Evaluate if a start-up is suited for venture capital (“VC readiness”) - Evaluate founder friendliness of term sheets - Determine funding needs & strategy for a start-up from research to first round - Write and evaluate an investment memo

Content

The course is practically oriented and features guest speakers from leading venture capital firms and start-ups. The course embraces a unique perspective combining technology and investor thinking. The course is structured around five days with the following themes. The detailed program is listed here, under its respective semester: https://ai.ethz.ch/education/courses/techinvesting.html The macro picture. Why does venture capital exist? What are major tech break-through areas and their disruptive potential? We also review the differences in the US and European perspective as well as developments towards more impact and diversity conscious funds. A peek into the mind of a VC. How to build a successful VC? Learn what key factors & processes required to build a successful venture capital company. This includes strategic decisions for investment thesis, structure of a fund, portfolio economics, valuation & ownership targets, cap table. In addition, we introduce the fundamentals of the investment process (including due diligence, term sheets, and deal memo) as well as portfolio management. The founder’s perspective. Why should you raise venture capital and how? Learn to evaluate the founder friendliness of terms, company approach, strategic decisions, negotiation and valuation. Fundraising types. Learn about different types of funding and their implications. This includes an overview of the Swiss ecosystem and a discussion of the different types (grants, equity, loans, SAFE, crowd, …). We also include a practical session on crypto technology for modern fund-raising using launchpads and tokenized shares. Tying it all together. The last day is focused on simulating an investment committee meeting where the groups present their deal memos and discuss with the audience.

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Short presentation (15 mins + Q&A) & group work: analysis, creation & presentation of a deal memo for an assigned case

Registration & Places

Max Places
50
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 29.09.2025 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Technology Investing
Block course: 3-6 and 28 November 2025. 09:00 - 18:00 h, OAT S 17 / HSG
No time listed 42 h semesterly

Offered In