Venture Capital Fundamentals

This ten-session course gives undergraduates, with either business and engineering backgrounds, a practical foundation in how venture investors evaluate, finance, and help build early-stage companies.

It is designed for aspiring venture capitalists as well as founders and CEOs seeking to raise investment capital for technology startups.

Course Schedule

All live sessions meet Tuesdays, 8:00–9:30 PM

Session 1 — September 8, 2026
Funding New Ventures: Overview & the Funding Landscape

Session 2 — September 15, 2026
Inside a Venture Capital Fund: LPs, GPs & Return Requirements

Session 3 — September 22, 2026
Cash Is King: Burn, Runway & Milestone-Based Fundraising

Session 4 — September 29, 2026
Deal Terms & Cap Tables: Reading a Term Sheet

Session 5 — October 6, 2026
Product-Market Fit: Aligning Market Entry & Product Development

Session 6 — October 27, 2026
People, Equity & the Founding Team

Session 7 — November 3, 2026
Protecting What You Build: IP Strategy & Patents for Startups

Session 8 — November 10, 2026
Running a Fundraising Process: Pitching, Meetings & Closing

Session 9 — November 17, 2026
What Makes a Venture Backable? Due Diligence & Investment Memos

Session 10 — December 1, 2026
Boards, Exits & Careers in Venture Capital + Course Synthesis

Meet the Instructor

Kevin G. Connors

Venture Capitalist · Founder · CEO · Inventor

Kevin Connors has spent more than 40 years building, leading, and investing in early-stage companies. He founded or co-founded seven health-technology companies, served as CEO of ten, and founded and served as General Partner of Spray Venture Partners, which managed more than $120 million across two venture funds.

Kevin taught Venture Capital Fundamentals in Notre Dame’s MBA program for 12 years and has coached founders, CEOs, and emerging investors throughout his career. His courses translate real-world experience into practical frameworks students can use to evaluate opportunities, raise capital, and build enduring companies.

Kevin holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame.
Patrick Jones - Course author

Earn a Digital Credential

Students who successfully complete the course will receive a verified digital credential issued through Accredible by The Venture Practice, part of the Craft & Equity New Venture Collective. The credential recognizes completion of coursework in venture capital investing, company evaluation, due diligence, deal structure and negotiation, and portfolio decision-making.
  • Personalized with the participant’s name and completion date
  • Shareable on LinkedIn and suitable for inclusion in a professional portfolio
  • Issued with a unique credential ID and online verification page

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