This course is designed for students who want to learn how
to build a software-based startup. More than ever, software, algorithms, and
circuitry form the core of new businesses. And when you include internet and
mobile applications, it’s difficult to think of any future consumer business
that doesn’t have a software component.
This course will explore the opportunities and challenges of
the software industry, using a mix of real life examples, lectures, and guest
speakers. You’ll learn the basics of software-based startups: product and
customer development, business feasibility and competitive analysis, basic
software intellectual property, the present and future of mobile applications,
software and internet marketing, etc.
The class will include:
·
An overview of the industry: from Web 2.0 to
gaming to enterprise software to bioinformatics
·
Trends and emerging opportunities in the
software industry
·
A roadmap for starting, funding, and growing a
software venture
·
University spin-offs and technology transfer
·
Current industry challenges
·
Cutting–edge software practices
How does a part-time, dog-walking business produce
six-figure profit? How does an undergraduate end up leading a computational
genomics company? How does a clean-tech application get sold to Belkin
International for a good chunk of money? You’ll meet the entrepreneurs (former
UW students) and hear how and why they did it.
Students will come away with an understanding of the
dynamics of starting a company and competing in the software industry. At the
end, you’ll deliver an executive summary for the startup, a proof of concept,
and a polished presentation. You’ll know how to take a “good idea” and turn it
into a plan, which could form the basis for your new career.
Learning Objectives
1.
Learn the basic foundations for modeling a software
business
2.
Learn to create an oral and written proposal for
a new venture
3.
Learn best practices for starting and growing a
software and technology based venture
4.
Learn about current trends and opportunities
within the software industry
For more information – please contact:
Connie
Bourassa-Shaw, Director
Buerk
Center for Entrepreneurship
Michael G.
Foster Business School
University of Washington
227 Dempsey
Hall, Box 353223
Seattle, WA
98195-3223
