Program Overview

Introduction to New Enterprises

The New Enterprises course, also known as 15.390, is designed to cover the process of identifying and quantifying market opportunities, then conceptualizing, planning, and starting a new, technology-based enterprise. This course is intended for students who want to start their own business, further develop an existing business, be a member of a management team in a new enterprise, or better understand the entrepreneur and the entrepreneurial process.

Course Description

New Enterprises covers various topics, including:

• Opportunity assessment
• The value proposition
• The entrepreneur
• Legal issues
• Entrepreneurial ethics
• The business plan
• The founding team
• Seeking customers and raising funds Students develop detailed business plans for a start-up, and the course is taught using a project-based approach. In-class time is spent on lectures, discussions, and presentations, while outside of class, students collaborate on group work.

Teaching Approach

The course is taught by Paul Cheek and Bill Aulet, the creator of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework. The teaching approach involves lectures, discussions, and presentations, with a focus on project-based learning. Students work in groups to develop their business plans, and the course includes mock board meetings where students present their work to experienced external judges.

Student Support

Undergraduate students receive additional support through separate recitation sessions, as they typically have less industry experience. The course is designed to be rigorous, and students are expected to work quickly to complete the 24 steps of the Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework.

Guest Lecturers

The course includes guest lecturers, who are typically people who have taken the course in the past. These guest speakers provide valuable insights and experiences, and help students to understand the practical application of the course material.

Startups from the Course

Several startups have been founded by students who have taken the New Enterprises course, including HubSpot, PillPack, Klarity, Ocular Technologies, and WellNested.

Advice for Students

Students considering taking the New Enterprises course should be prepared for a demanding and fast-paced learning environment. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to entrepreneurship, and students who complete the course will have a solid foundation for further study or practical application in the field. It is recommended that students take this course as a starting point, as it provides a common language and approach to entrepreneurship that will be useful in other courses or practical applications.