This course introduces students to the internationalization of startups by addressing key challenges and strategies startup founders face in today’s dynamic global environment. We will explore how factors such as funding access, gender, sustainability and marketing shape the international trajectory of startups. Emphasis will be placed on learning through practice: students will work in teams to develop their own startup idea, prepare a Business Model Canvas, and simulate a startup pitch evaluated by experts from academia, the startup ecosystem, and funding institutions. 

The concept of the course is similar to the shows 2 Minuten 2 Millionen (Austria), Die Höhle der Löwen (Germany), and Shark Tank (USA).

By the end of the course, students will:

• Understand the specific characteristics, challenges, and strategies involved in the internationalization of startups.

• Analyze the influence of funding, marketing, and gender structures on startup growth.

• Apply entrepreneurial thinking and tools such as the Business Model Canvas.

• Develop and present a convincing startup pitch aimed at fictitious investors.

• Gain practical insights from guest speakers across startups and funding institutions.

• Collaborate effectively in diverse teams to develop creative and realistic business ideas.

Attendance on the first and last session is mandatory. Students can miss up to 3 hours of the second session. 

• Interactive Lectures: Instructor-led sessions that combine theoretical input with practical cases.

• Teamwork: Students will form small teams to co-develop a startup idea, culminating in a Business Model Canvas and pitch.

• Guest Speakers: National and international startup founders and firm representatives will share their internationalization paths, funding stories, and strategies.

• Pitch Simulation: Teams will simulate a startup pitch in front of a panel, receiving feedback from the instructor and experienced professionals.

• Workshops: Hands-on sessions for working on business models, storytelling, and pitch techniques.

• Peer and Expert Feedback: Structured feedback loops from peers and guest experts during the pitch and business model development phases.

Grade distribution:

100 points/100% of the grade: 

1. Pre-Course Assignment (Business Idea Development) - 25% (individual task)
2. Pitch 1 - 5% (individual task) - IN CLASS ACTIVITY 
3. Business Model Canvas on the Developed Business Idea - 5% (individual task) - IN CLASS ACTIVITY
4. Business Model Canvas on the Final Startup Business Idea - 5% (group work as a fictional startup team) 
5. Final Pitch - 45% (group work as a fictional startup team) 
6. Short Presentation - 15% (group work)

Only students who attend the first session are eligible to receive points for the two in-class activities. 

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There will be a possibility for getting 10% (10 extra points) on top of the 100. 

The final grade will therefore be made of 110 points.

Grading scale: 

• 1 (86-110%)
• 2 (76-85%)
• 3 (66-75%)
• 4 (56-65%)
• 5 (0-55%)

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