Course 1 of 4
Leadership and Fundraising: A Foundation for Success
From career to startup CEO — what it really takes to make the leap and raise your first round.
By clicking “BUY COURSE 1” or “BUY BUNDLE” you will be redirected to our online program website: https://whosaysyoucantstartup.teachable.com/.
What you’ll learn
In this course, I share my journey from computer science professor to serial entrepreneur, detailing how I transitioned from a technical leader into the role of startup CEO. Along the way, I unpack the hard-earned lessons from my first time leading a company, the dynamics of building founding teams, and the realities of navigating early-stage financing. Drawing on my experience across nine startups, I explain what founders can expect—from friends-and-family rounds through venture capital—and the critical mistakes to avoid at each stage.
With the experience of guiding hundreds of founders through the treacherous early phases where most startups falter, I designed this foundational course to help you build confidence and clarity. You’ll learn how to overcome imposter syndrome, establish your leadership presence, and master the fundraising process that trips up so many first-time CEOs. I’ll walk you through my battle-tested pitching framework that secured millions in funding, show you how to identify the right investors while steering clear of toxic ones, and teach you how to navigate due diligence like a pro. By the end, you’ll be equipped to approach investors with the confidence and credibility of a seasoned founder.
Ready to transform your fundraising approach? Buy Course 1 or save 10% with the bundle!
Course 1 Curriculum:
Introduction
19 Lessons
1. Introduction to course 1 (5:30)
2. Entrepreneurial mindset (18:53)
By clicking “PREVIEW” you will be redirected to our online program website: https://whosaysyoucantstartup.teachable.com/.
Leading a Startup
3. Scratching the startup itch (18:53)
4. Who should be CEO—overcoming imposter syndrome (8:28)
5. First-time CEO—key challenges and red flags (4:05)
6. First time CEO—my story (14:13)
7. All about founders (8:20)
8. Founders gone rogue—a few horror stories to keep in mind (7:23)
Raising Money
9. Different funding rounds for startups (9:06)
10. A friends and family raise (10:01)
11. Pitching to investors—and securing funding (20:06)
12. All about angels—when to use them and how to raise from them (21:46)
13. Investors are not your friend—why this is important (7:00)
14. How institutional investors tick—it helps to think like them (11:41)
15. Raising a seed round—the first priced round (15:26)
16. Term sheet—what is it and when should you expect one? (20:20)
17. Due diligence part 1—it’s an exam you have to pass (5:59)
18. Due diligence part 2—setting up a great data room (11:17)
Conclusion
19. Key learnings and next steps (6:49)
Bundle it at 10% off
Bundle it at 10% off
Buy all 4 courses
Get 10% off* AND
Get the signed book Tech Startup Toolkit!
*Introductory price: $1,350
By clicking “BUY THE BUNDLE” you will be redirected to our online program website: https://whosaysyoucantstartup.teachable.com/.