Financing Biotech Innovations

About

To harvest the enormous potential of ground-breaking research in the field of biotechnology, large amounts of financing are needed. From the first lab results to a commercially viable product many years go by and much money is burnt. Thus, financing is the key to making biotechnology innovations accessible for everyone.

By the end of this course, you will have the confidence to talk to and convince investors to fund your endeavor. To do so, the course offers an introduction to financing and discusses the different motivations of those involved in financing. It will also enable you to evaluate different sources of financing. Moreover, it will establish an understanding of the challenges faced during to fundraising process such as valuing a company, the legal aspects of an investment contract, or pitching your company to investors. Thereby, it will provide you with the confidence of managing the fundraising process and communicating your project effectively to any type of financial backer.

This course will be part of the professional certificate program "Realizing Biotech Innovations--A Business Guide for Scientists" which will consist of three courses designed to realize your biotech innovation. The course is brought to you by the Technical University of Munich - one of Europe's most outstanding universities in research and innovation. It offers the academic expertise on biotech entrepreneurship which is expanded by the hands-on expertise from those working in the field such as industry experts, investors, and entrepreneurs who will share their advice and experiences.

What you will learn

• Comprehensive understanding of what drives investor decisions
• Evaluating different sources of venture financing
• Mastering the financing process including negotiating terms and the business valuation
• Effective communication & presentation of a business idea

Skills you learn

• Communications
• Research
• Biotechnology
• Innovation
• Fundraising

Syllabus

Module 1: Basic Concepts of Financing

Introduction to the concept of equity financing and the main mechanisms which drive financing decisions of entrepreneurs and investors including current and future financing needs, risks & return on capital, and stakeholders involved.

Module 2: Sources of Capital

Introduction of different investor types and when they are most relevant in a firm’s development. Investment types covered include among others public grants, angel investments, venture capital, and stock market financing.

Module 3: Funding Process

This module includes a walk through the stages of an investment process from screening and evaluating a business idea, to structuring the terms of an investment, and the post-investment collaboration.

Module 4: Valuation & Value Creation

Discussion of what value is and what drives value as well as an introduction of several business valuation methods.

Module 5: Pitching & Closing a Financing Round

Introduction on how to optimally present a business idea to an investor and what to consider when negotiating with an investor.

Module 6: Exiting a Company

Discussion of how an investor can exit the company including a more detailed understanding of acquisitions and getting a company listed at the stock exchange.