Written by
Reviewed by

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. What is a venture capitalist?
  3. What makes a good venture capital analyst?
  4. Beginner online venture capital courses
  5. Intermediate online venture capital courses
  6. Expert online venture capital courses
  7. Frequently asked questions about venture capital

Overview

In today's fast-paced global economy, venture capital has become exciting for people seeking fresh opportunities. Online education provides accessible pathways for aspiring venture capitalists to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate this ever-changing industry.

From advanced valuation techniques to strategic investment approaches, venture capital courses cover various topics crucial for success. These courses emphasize the significance of analytical thinking, data analysis, and financial acumen while staying informed about the latest technological trends shaping investment strategies.

These courses are available in various formats, including self-paced online modules, live online sessions, and custom programs designed for organizational needs.

You can also benefit from certifications, alumni networks, and valuable networking opportunities within the venture capital ecosystem.

Regardless of your background or experience level, these online venture capital courses will empower you to make informed investment decisions, seize emerging opportunities, and contribute to the dynamic world of venture capital.

What is a venture capitalist?

A venture capitalist is an individual or entity that invests capital into early-stage or high-growth companies, typically in the form of equity. Venture capitalists aim to support startups and emerging businesses by providing financial resources and expertise. 

Venture capitalists actively engage in strategic decision-making and offer guidance to maximize growth and profitability. They aim to generate substantial investment returns by identifying and managing risks within the dynamic startup ecosystem.

Read more: Breaking into Venture Capital Part 1

What makes a good venture capital analyst?

The foundation for success in venture capital lies in possessing the following skills below, combined with a passion for entrepreneurship and a strong work ethic.

  • Analytical skills: Critical for evaluating investment opportunities, analyzing financial data, and assessing market trends.
  • Financial acumen: A deep understanding of valuation methods, due diligence, and financial modeling to evaluate startup potential.
  • Industry knowledge: Essential for identifying opportunities, recognizing market trends, and providing valuable insights.
  • Communication skills: Effective communication for building relationships, negotiating deals, and conveying investment strategies.
  • Decision-making ability: Timely and strategically based on analysis, risk assessment, and market understanding.
  • Networking skills: Building a solid network of industry contacts for deal flow and collaboration.
  • Adaptability: Being flexible to changing market conditions and emerging technologies.
  • Problem-solving: Ability to navigate startup challenges and find innovative solutions.
  • Leadership: Vision, mentorship, and guidance for portfolio companies.
  • Risk management: Assessing and managing investment risks to optimize returns.

Read more: Breaking into Venture Capital Part 2

Beginner

Aspiring venture capitalists with little to no prior experience can kickstart their learning journey with these beginner-level online courses covering venture capital's essentials.

1. Venture Capital Analyst - EntryLevel

Venture Capital Analyst beginner course with certification

Cost

Free if you finish.

The course is free if completed within the given timeframe, with students paying upfront and receiving a refund upon successful completion.

Duration

The course can be completed within 6 weeks.

Overview

EntryLevel’s Venture Capital Analyst course is a flexible and hands-on program focusing on various venture capital and startup investment aspects. Participants will work on an investment memo and gain practical experience throughout the course.

Institution

EntryLevel

Key topics

This certified venture capital course covers:

  • Introduction to venture capital
  • Market and trend analysis
  • Evaluating companies
  • Due diligence
  • Insights from real-world venture capital analysts and fund managers on breaking into the field

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly.
  • Course created by experts which you get to learn from.
  • Flexible, online course with deadlines so there is some structure.
  • You work on real-world projects and complete the course with a Venture Capital Analyst portfolio of work.
  • You get the certificate even if you opt for the refund (free certificate).

Cons

  • 6 weeks might be too long - or too short - of a course duration for some students.
  • You pay first, but you only get the refund when you complete the course by the deadline (to motivate you to reach your learning goals).

Venture Capital Analysts play a vital role in connecting with startups, identifying investment opportunities, and delivering value. EntryLevel's Venture Capital course equips participants with essential knowledge and skills for this field. 

The program covers the inner workings of Venture Capital funds, market analysis, startup sourcing, due diligence, and insights from industry experts. Participants collaborate with up to 30 peers, earning badges by completing tasks. 

The curriculum covers Venture Capital fundamentals, the GP-LP relationship, startup essentials, the Power Law Curve, market and trend analysis, evaluating companies, and breaking into the industry. Upon completion, participants possess a portfolio showcasing their abilities.

Johnpaul, a student enrolled in the Venture Capital Analyst course, shared a testimonial about the program: "My portfolio got me a job…EntryLevel helped me level up. GPs are busy and may not have time to teach you, so EntryLevel fast-tracked my process."

Review from EntryLevel VC Analyst student, Johnpaul. "My portfolio got me a job. GPs are busy and don't have time to teach you, so EntryLevel fast-tracked my process."

Website

Enroll before the deadline

2. Venture Capital Crash Course - Wall Street Oasis

Free Venture Capital crash course by Wall Street Oasis

Cost

Free

Duration

Over 1 hour (30+ lessons) can be completed in less than 1 week

Overview

This course introduces the history of venture capital, fund structures, various roles in VC, early-stage financial instruments, and term sheets.

Institution

Wall Street Oasis

Key topics

This venture capital course covers:

  • The history of VC
  • Fund structures
  • Various roles in VC
  • Early-stage financial instruments
  • Term sheet analysis

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly.
  • Course created by experts.
  • If you have a question, you can get a response from a pro.
  • It is self-paced and flexible.

Cons

  • There are no deadlines, so you may not complete the course.
  • There are a lot of videos to watch, which can get overwhelming.
  • This is an introductory crash course, so you don't get to really practice your own work.

The Wall Street Oasis offers a free Venture Capital Crash Course created by expert venture capitalists. With over 57,500 students enrolled, it provides a flexible and self-paced learning experience without deadlines.

One satisfied student, Barrett from Nimble Ventures, shares, "WSO delivers the most comprehensive VC course that I've seen to date. From detailed deal structures to big picture investment concepts, this course provides a fundamental basis from which one can take on relevant VC job functions from day one."

The course allows for questions and professional responses. It primarily consists of videos, which may overwhelm some learners. 

While it's an introductory crash course, hands-on practice is limited.

Website

Visit website

3. Introduction to Venture Capital - Alison

Alison's online course on introduction to venture capital

Cost

Free

Duration

1-6 weeks

Overview

This course suits individuals interested in finance or aspiring entrepreneurs seeking insights into fundraising for their ventures.

Institution

Khan Academy via Alison.

Key topics

This beginner-friendly venture capital course covers:

  • Raising money for a startup
  • Getting a seed round from a VC
  • Series B
  • IPO
  • Equity vs debt
  • Bonds vs stocks
  • Bankruptcy liquidation and restructuring

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly.
  • Online course, so there is flexibility.

Cons

  • You need an 80% or higher in each course assessment to get the Venture Capital certificate.
  • You do not get real-world experience and practice; there is only a quiz and no project component.

Alison's comprehensive venture capital course covers essential topics like raising funds for startups, exits including IPOs, and finance-related concepts such as equity, debt, bonds, stocks, and bankruptcy. 

This beginner-friendly online course offers flexibility in learning. Grant, a student of the course, praised its easy-to-understand teaching approach, expressing his positive experience.

While the course provides a solid foundation, it's important to note that a minimum score of 80% is required in each course assessment to obtain the Venture Capital certificate. The course primarily relies on quizzes and lacks real-world experience and practical application through project components.

Website

Visit website

4. The Art of Raising Capital - Udemy

Learn what venture capitalists and investors look for in investable companies

Cost

Free

Duration

A 1.5-hour tutorial about what venture capitalists and investors look for in startups and companies can be done in less than 1 week.

Overview

This course teaches how to build investable companies and appeal to venture capital investors through understanding their thinking, mitigating risk, and implementing operational efficiency, scaling, and capital raising techniques.

Institution

Udemy

Key topics

This startup founder focused venture capital course covers:

  • How to build investable companies
  • Considering business opportunities by thinking like an investor
  • How to de-risk a business opportunity
  • Basics around raising capital
  • Pitch decks, burn rates, and valuation basics
  • Finding investors

Pros

  • Short - can be done in a few hours.
  • Beginner-friendly. You can learn the basics quickly.

Cons

  • You only get the certificate if you pay for it.

The Art of Raising Capital is a concise 1.5-hour tutorial for entrepreneurs and startup founders seeking to make their companies investable. Learn what venture capitalists and investors look for in startups while providing insights on de-risking business opportunities and presenting them effectively. 

This beginner-friendly course equips students with the essential knowledge to raise capital and build investable companies. The course focuses on the basics, offers a quick grasp of the fundamentals, and can be completed within a few hours.

The course is rated with 4.7 stars, with 42% of students rating it with 5 stars. Most students enjoyed the course, but there were some exceptions, with some students believing that the course was a little too basic and needed information to be explained better with examples (for example, talking about pitch decks without showing examples).

Website

Visit website

5. Financing Innovative Ventures - edX

Demystify key financial concepts for your startup to raise funding

Cost

Free. It costs extra for a certificate.

Duration

4 months (2-3 hours per week).

Overview

Gain a solid understanding of financial entrepreneurship for startup funding and corporate venturing, including evaluating new ventures and creating comprehensive funding strategies.

Institution

edX

Key topics

This startup founder focused venture capital course covers:

  • Concepts and vocabulary used in startup fundraising and venture capital
  • Common ways of funding companies, like angel investing and venture capital
  • How to present convincing business ideas in written form and verbally

Pros

  • It's self-paced and online.
  • Beginner-friendly for people without a finance or accounting background.

Cons

  • You only get the certificate if you pay for it.

Financing Innovative Ventures is an online course that equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge to create a financial plan and secure funding. Learn effective pitching strategies and gain insight into investor perspectives. 

Anthony Casalena, Founder and CEO of Squarespace, says, “The instruction and startup coaching that I received when a student at the University of Maryland were invaluable to the launch and growth of Squarespace. The skills taught in this course are a fantastic introduction to many of the fundamentals one needs when starting a business." 

The curriculum covers essential topics, including evaluating new ventures, funding options, funding process steps, and pitching techniques. This self-paced course is beginner-friendly and provides the skills to analyze funding opportunities, present ideas persuasively, and navigate the funding process confidently.

Website

Visit website

Intermediate

These intermediate-level online courses offer a deeper dive into the intricacies of the venture capital industry.

6. 500 Global's VC Unlocked courses - 500 Global

Courses include VC Fund Structure and Returns, Navigating Term Sheets for Investors, Introduction to Capitalization Tables, and Selecting Startups

Cost

Each VC Unlocked program individually costs $490.

Duration

Each course requires an estimated 5-8 hours.

Overview

The 3 courses cover VC fund structure and returns, navigating term sheets, and understanding capitalization tables.

Institution

500 Global

Key topics

The multiple online VC courses cover:

  • VC fund structure and returns
  • Navigating term sheets for investors
  • Introduction to capitalization tables
  • Selecting startups

Pros

  • You get real-world exposure to startups and learn from Venture Capital experts.
  • Courses are online, therefore flexible and done at your own pace.

Cons

  • The price point may not be affordable to everyone.

500 Global (previously known as 500 Startups) offers a comprehensive learning experience for individuals interested in angel investing and venture capital. These courses, derived from the renowned VC Unlocked: Silicon Valley program, equip participants with essential knowledge and tools to break into the world of VC. 

Covering topics such as VC fund structure and returns, term sheet negotiation, and capitalization table analysis, these courses provide practical insights and strategies for aspiring investors. 

Participants can expect a flexible online learning environment, with the ability to set their own pace and access valuable video lessons from 500 Global experts. Students receive a skills-based online certificate to showcase their newfound expertise upon completion.

Website

Visit website

7. VC University - VCU

Practical training on venture finance for entrepreneurs, investors, attorneys, and anyone interested in startups

Cost

$1,500 per person. They also offer group discounts and discounts to UC Berkeley alums and NVCA members.

Duration

10 weeks (with up to 5 months of access to the course platform).

Overview

VC University is the definitive online course in venture finance, offering practical training on venture capital for entrepreneurs, investors, attorneys, and others interested in emerging company finance.

Institution

VC University

Key topics

This intermediate venture capital course covers:

  • Venture fund fundamentals
  • Startup fundamentals
  • Venture deal fundamentals
  • Modeling venture deals
  • Advanced topics in venture capital

Pros

  • Options for live engagement (office hours, webinars, alumni network) while still being flexible, self-paced, and online.
  • You get access to the course platform for 5 months, despite the course only needing 10 weeks to complete.

Cons

  • Price - expensive.
  • Timezones may not work for everyone for the optional live components.

VC University provides a comprehensive curriculum covering venture fund fundamentals, startup fundamentals, venture deal fundamentals, modeling venture deals, and advanced topics in venture capital. Students gain in-depth knowledge of venture finance, including fund structure, startup management, key terms, and economic principles.

VC University provides flexible online learning options, including office hours, webinars, and an alumni network, allowing for live engagement. Participants enjoy five-month access to the course platform, despite the recommended completion time of 10 weeks.

Alex Madick, a student from the course, says, “VCU was a life-challenging experience for me. The program brought my knowledge, skills, and passion for the startup and investing ecosystem to the next level. With skills and insight obtained while attending VUC, I was able to advance my career and eventually get hired by one of my dream jobs.”

Website

Visit website

Expert

Designed for experienced professionals in venture capital, these advanced-level online courses offer a comprehensive exploration of advanced topics, such as deal structuring, portfolio management, and emerging technologies.

8. Advanced Valuation and Strategy: M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital - Coursera

Valuation and strategy advanced Venture Capital course

Cost

Free.

Duration

The course is offered at different levels:

  • 1-week Executive Summary, Student Level (excluding week 1 for those with basic corporate finance knowledge)
  • Honors Level (for students who are curious about learning more about venture capital and want a challenge)

Overview

This course equips executives and students interested in corporate finance and strategy with the latest valuation methods to enhance decision-making.

Institution

Erasmus University Rotterdam via Coursera

Key topics

The course expands on traditional corporate finance techniques by introducing:

  • Dynamic methods like expanded NPV
  • Real options
  • Game theory

Pros

  • Comprehensive and detailed on the topic of finance, economics, and business - which is expected of a more advanced course.
  • Flexible online course that you can do on your own time.

Cons

  • Not beginner-friendly; more for advanced students with an understanding of corporate valuation and strategy.
  • Lack of structure - you need to be disciplined to complete the course (similar to all Coursera courses).

The Advanced Valuation and Strategy course covers venture capital and startup investing, including firm investments, market analysis, evaluating companies, due diligence, and insights from industry professionals on breaking into venture capital. 

The course provides flexibility as an online program but requires prior corporate valuation and strategy knowledge. Based on 320 reviews, the course received a 73% (5 stars) rating, while 3% of students gave it a 1-star rating. Some students found the course challenging due to its complexity and expressed concerns about the clarity of the professor's voice.

Website

Visit website

9. Venture Capital Course - EDUCBA

Venture capital course with case studies and certificates

Cost

The price for the course is $99. EDUCBA occasionally offers discounts of up to 80% of the retail price.

Duration

The course requires a time investment of 12+ video hours spread across two modules.

Overview

This online venture capital course bundle offers comprehensive basic and advanced Excel-based venture capital modeling training. 

Institution

EDUCBA

Key topics

The course uses Excel to cover basic and advanced venture capital modeling. Topics include:

  • The lifecycle of venture capital
  • Company valuation
  • Pre- and post-money valuation
  • Capitalization tables
  • Investor return calculations
  • Return analysis
  • Total equity valuation

Pros

  • Comprehensive overview of venture capital modeling with finance focus.
  • You get to work on a case study project yourself.

Cons

  • Not beginner friendly - you need basic knowledge of finance.
  • There's more focus on finance rather than using this knowledge to fundraise for your own startup.

The course provides learners with essential skills for a career as a financial analyst, covering topics like company valuation, capitalization tables, and return analysis. 

In the advanced module, learners delve into the intricacies of venture capital modeling through 41 videos, exploring deal processes, financial statements, debt schedules, and valuation. 

This course suits aspiring financial analysts, MBA/BBA students specializing in finance, and entrepreneurs interested in venture capital modeling. 

Upon completion, learners receive a verifiable certificate. Aaron Gagnon, a student from the course, shares, "I've been planning to get into Venture Capital for some time, and this course was the perfect way to get started."

Website

Visit website

Bonus (waitlisted): Venture Deals Course - TechStars

Venture Deals online course with expert VCs. Currently waitlisted

Cost

Free

Duration

1-6 weeks

Overview

The Venture Deals online course by TechStars helps you demystify venture capital for both aspiring VC Analysts and startup founders. Expect to learn terms like term sheets, cap tables, SAFEs, convertible notes, and more to help entrepreneurs secure funding from investors.

Institution

TechStars

Key topics

The course curriculum includes:

  • Introduction: learn about the course structure and meet the venture capital expert instructors.
  • Capital ecosystem: learn more about people and roles in Venture Capital and how to engage with investors.
  • Fundraising: learn about how to fundraise, options available for founders, valuation, and cap tables.
  • The deal: learn about term sheets and how to negotiate the deal.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and mental health: the Venture Capital experts discuss DEI topics and other important things to keep in mind as a beginner VC Analyst or entrepreneur going into venture capital.

Pros

  • You lose access after 6 weeks, so you're more motivated to learn within the timeframe.
  • Course is taught by experts who have years of experience in the venture capital field.

Cons

  • There is less face-to-face interaction, because you're expected to work on it by yourself or asynchronously with a team.

The course provides learners with essential skills for a career as a financial analyst, covering topics like company valuation, capitalization tables, and return analysis. 

In the advanced module, learners delve into the intricacies of venture capital modeling through 41 videos, exploring deal processes, financial statements, debt schedules, and valuation. 

This course suits aspiring financial analysts, MBA/BBA students specializing in finance, and entrepreneurs interested in venture capital modeling. 

Upon completion, learners receive a verifiable certificate. Aaron Gagnon, a student from the course, shares, "I've been planning to get into Venture Capital for some time, and this course was the perfect way to get started."

Website

Visit website

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the foundations of venture capital that aspiring investors should learn?

Aspiring investors should learn about finance strategy, business development, startup valuation, and the role of angel investors in startup funding as the foundations of venture capital.

2. How are investment management principles applied in venture capital?

Investment management principles guide investment decisions, risk assessment, and due diligence in venture capital. They help investors identify opportunities and diversify portfolios within the VC ecosystem.

3. What skills and knowledge are essential for leadership and management in venture capital?

Leadership and management in venture capital require financial acumen, business strategy expertise, and the ability to identify and support promising startups. Understanding the VC ecosystem, digital transformation, and emerging technologies can be advantageous.

4. What role does project management play in venture capital?

Project management ensures the smooth execution of investment processes, deal sourcing, due diligence, and post-investment activities in venture capital. It involves coordinating stakeholders and resources to achieve investment objectives.

5. How does venture capital support startup funding?

Venture capital supports startup funding through capital, mentorship, and industry connections. VC firms invest in early-stage companies, helping them overcome financial barriers and scale their operations.

6. How are startups valued in the venture capital ecosystem?

Startups are valued based on growth prospects, market potential, team expertise, revenue projections, and competitive advantage in the venture capital ecosystem. Valuation methods include discounted cash flow and market comparables.

7. What are the key considerations for venture capital investors?

Key considerations for venture capital investors include evaluating market potential, conducting due diligence, assessing team capabilities, analyzing business models and strategies, and understanding potential returns on investment.

8. What is the significance of limited partners in venture capital investment?

Limited partners (LPs) provide capital to venture capital funds. They contribute to portfolio diversification and sustainability, aligning their interests with the success of the VC firm.

9. How does machine learning contribute to venture capital decision-making?

Machine learning (ML) enables data-driven investment decisions in venture capital. It helps analyze large amounts of data, identify patterns, and optimize market trend analysis, due diligence, startup screening, and portfolio management.

10. What are the responsibilities of managing directors and partners in venture capital?

Managing partners and directors oversee overall venture capital operations, including fundraising, deal sourcing, investment decision-making, portfolio management, and investor relations. They provide strategic guidance based on their expertise in finance, business development, and the VC ecosystem.

Date originally published:
Jan 24, 2023
Date last updated:
Dec 26, 2023
Enjoyed this article? Share with a friend!

9 best venture capital online courses with certificate [2024]

Related articles
What is EntryLevel?
EntryLevel helps you learn and get experience so you can get hired in tech. Beginner-friendly 6 week programs guide you to create a portfolio you can show off to employers.
Browse tech programs