Content Evaluation

The course comprises four different modules with the goal of completing one module per week:

1. Introduction to Private Equity and Venture Capital
2. Discovering Private Equity Investors: Legal Issues and Taxation
3. Management of Private Equity and Venture Capital Funds
4. Company Valuation And Deal Making In Private Equity Settings.

Participants can choose to complete more modules per week if able. Completing one module per week will necessitate an average time commitment of 2 hours weekly. This makes it a course that can be easily integrated with full-time work or study schedules.

The content of the course is comprehensive and relevant, presented clearly. However, as it is an introductory course, those already working in venture capital or private equity might find it too basic. Nevertheless, it remains a great introductory course. Throughout the course, guest speakers and practitioners offer insights into the practical workings of venture capital and private equity, providing real-life examples of concrete applications. This allows students the opportunity to witness theory being put into practice.

Teaching Style and Delivery

The course is led by Stefano Caselli, the Vice Rector for International Affairs at Bocconi University, where he holds a full professorship in Banking and Finance. Within the Department of Finance, his teaching covers private equity, venture capital, investment banking, and international finance. Stefano’s teaching style is articulate and informative, reflecting a deep understanding of the subject matter. However, due to the Coursera platform’s structure, student interaction is somewhat limited. Interactive quizzes and a designated question section are available, alongside a forum enabling interaction among fellow students. Nevertheless, the level of interaction provided is notably less than what one would experience in an in-person course or workshop. The course materials are accompanied by a downloadable visual presentation and additional resources, facilitating the practical application of theoretical concepts. These supplementary materials encompass relevant links and suggested readings.

Assessment and Feedback

The overall assessment includes a multiple-choice test following each module and a comprehensive final test upon course completion. Each module test comprises 10 questions, requiring a minimum score of 70% to pass. The final assessment, encompassing content from all four modules, also consists of 10 multiple-choice questions, necessitating a score above 70% for passing. Post-assessment, participants can review quiz answers and receive feedback. Additionally, if unsuccessful initially, they are permitted to retry the test.

Personal Reflection

My personal experience with the course was positive. I aimed for an introductory insight into private equity and venture capital, and that’s precisely what I gained. I appreciated the inclusion of guest speakers, which brought tangibility to the theoretical concepts and allowed me to contextualize the content better. Understanding fundamental concepts in corporate finance and accounting principles is recommended to grasp the calculations involved in the earning models of private equity. Nonetheless, prior knowledge of private equity and venture capital is not a prerequisite.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I found the course to be an intriguing introduction to the inner workings of venture capital and private equity. It provides individuals interested in the sector with a grasp of its essentials and operational dynamics within companies. This knowledge empowers them to explore further within the industry or seek opportunities in the field of private equity. Do not hesitate to try out the course (link) for yourself if you are interested to learn more. Have you completed the course? Share your thoughts in the comments regarding your experience – we’d love to hear from you!