Finance for Startups (Coursera)

Finance for Startups (Coursera)

Finance is one of the key ingredients for successful startups. Many entrepreneurs, however, lack knowledge of finance. This course teaches basic financial knowledge needed in starting and operating startups to entrepreneurs or would-be entrepreneurs who did not major in finance. Students of this course will learn to read and understand financial statements such as balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

They will also practice simple financial planning of a startup. This course also covers the concept company valuation as well as how startups get funding. This is a practical course aimed at direct application of the knowledge gained into running real startups. It also aims to enable entrepreneurs and would-be-entrepreneurs to understand the "language of finance" so that they can talk to professionals with confidence.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Balance sheet and Income statement
We begin to learn startup finance by learning two fundamental financial statements, balance sheet and income statement.

WEEK 2
Cash flow statement and financial ratios
You will learn why cash is king! Let's practice financial ratios with real company data.

WEEK 3
Financial planning and funding
Financial planning of a startup and seeking funding from outside investors.

WEEK 4
VC term sheet and valuation
To understand the contents of a term sheet and the company valuation methods.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Banking and Financial Institutions (Coursera) Coursera
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Banking and Financial Institutions (Coursera)

The purpose of this course is to provide you with a basic understanding of the connections between money, the financial system, and the broader macroeconomy. We will examine the economics of modern financial institutions (e.g. banks), including how they are organized, the products and financial services they offer, the risks they take, why and how they are regulated, and how this has changed over time.

Nov 23rd 2026
4 Weeks
International Business II (Coursera) Coursera
University of New Mexico

International Business II (Coursera)

This course, Introduction to the Global Business Environment II, focuses on managing organizations in the international economy. Building on Introduction to the Global Business Environment I, this second course focuses on organizational level and management issues in international settings. The course prepares students with practical as well as research-based knowledge and skills necessary to successfully operating an organizational across borders.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
The entrepreneur's guide for beginners (Coursera) Coursera
University of Barcelona

The entrepreneur's guide for beginners (Coursera)

The Entrepreneur's Guide for beginners and is a course created in collaboration with all Catalan public universities and EIT Health and aims to be the starting point for all those who want to improve their knowledge and skills in the world entrepreneurship. In this course you will be able to identify a business opportunity, develop the business model (and the steps to validate it) and know the main mechanisms to find your business.

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Identifying Social Entrepreneurship Opportunities (Coursera) Coursera
Copenhagen Business School

Identifying Social Entrepreneurship Opportunities (Coursera)

This Course will clarify the definition and meaning of Social Entrepreneurship and will focus on the need to learn about the source and root of a social problem. You will be introduced to different perspectives about Social Entrepreneurship and you will learn about complementary and opportunistic assets which will help you to detect an opportunity and develop an idea of how to create a business for social change.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Design Thinking para Inovação (Coursera) Coursera
University of Virginia

Design Thinking para Inovação (Coursera)

Hoje em dia, a inovação é um negócio de todos. Se você for um gerente em uma corporação global, um empreendedor iniciando em uma função governamental ou um professor em uma escola primária, espera-se que todos sejam enxutos – para fazer melhor com menos. É por isso que todos nós precisamos de design thinking (pensamento criativo).

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Leading Innovation in Arts and Culture (Coursera) Coursera
Vanderbilt University,National Arts Strategies - NAS

Leading Innovation in Arts and Culture (Coursera)

Developed by David Owens at Vanderbilt University and customized for the cultural sector with National Arts Strategies, this course will help arts and culture leaders create an environment where new ideas are constantly created, shared, evaluated and the best ones are successfully put to work. One of the toughest challenges for any leader is getting traction for new ideas. Winning support can be a struggle. As a result, powerful new ideas often get stuck. This is especially true in the cultural sector. People involved in arts and culture often have little time and even less money for experimentation and risks. This course will help those in the performing arts, museums, zoos, libraries and other cultural organizations build environments where new management and program ideas flourish.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Intro to Finance in Healthcare (Coursera) Coursera
Northeastern University

Intro to Finance in Healthcare (Coursera)

This course is best suited for individuals currently in the healthcare sector, as a provider, payer, or administrator. Individuals pursuing a career change to the healthcare sector may also be interested in this course. In this course, you will have an opportunity to explore concepts and topics related to accounting and finance basics for healthcare organizations.

Nov 23rd 2026
4 Weeks
Finance for Everyone: Markets (Coursera) Coursera
McMaster University

Finance for Everyone: Markets (Coursera)

Markets begins with one of the most common and important elements of the financial system – interest rates. You will learn why interest rates have always been a key barometer in determining the value of everything. You will explore the changing influence of interest rates; the impact of interest rates on consumption, investment and economic growth; and the bizarre realities of negative interest rates. Markets explains how interest rates change the value of all financial instruments, highlighting the role of the bond and stock markets that have toppled empires

Nov 16th 2026
4 Weeks
Structure: Building the Frame for Business Growth (Coursera) Coursera
Michigan State University

Structure: Building the Frame for Business Growth (Coursera)

Just like when building a house the foundation for your business provides the framework for success. A business built on weak structure will struggle to succeed. We'll address some of the most pressing issues that you as a business owner must face while constructing the proper framework for your business.

Nov 23rd 2026
4 Weeks
Finance for Managers (Coursera) Coursera
IESE Business School

Finance for Managers (Coursera)

When it comes to numbers, there is always more than meets the eye. In operational finance, you will learn how to read the “story” that the balance sheet and income statement tells about the company’s operations. The insights you gain from this “financial story” will then become a tool for short-term decision-making at the top management level relating to current assets, current liabilities and the management of working capital. Finally, by the end of the course you will understand the financial consequences of managerial decisions on operations, marketing, etc.

Nov 23rd 2026
4 Weeks
Unleashing the Impact of your Social Enterprise (Coursera) Coursera
Copenhagen Business School

Unleashing the Impact of your Social Enterprise (Coursera)

In Course 3 of this Specialization you will first of all learn about Social Impact Assessment. Hence you will be able to develop a method to evaluate the social mission that you achieve while implementing your business plan. Next you will outline an appropriate communication strategy for your social enterprise and will demonstrate how to market your products and services to beneficiaries and other customers. Here you will employ an adaptable communication strategy as you move from early adopters to a broader market share.

Nov 30th 2026
5-12 Weeks