Do you have an idea or a technology for a startup that you’d like to pursue? Would you like to be part of a team that works to develop a new venture? The UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School will offer another year of the StartUp UNC course, starting in the fall. Read on and learn how you can apply.
What is StartUp UNC? This course helps you test, build and launch startup companies based on a unique business idea or novel technical innovation. We start with customer discovery and validation and work through a series of steps to help prove the value proposition, determine a business model and pricing structure, assess the competition, and develop a basic financial model. By the end, you will build the foundation for launching your company.
When is it offered? StartUp UNC is a four-mod course, running from August to May. This year, all four mods of the course will be on Tuesday nights from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Who can participate? All members of the UNC community can apply. You can be an undergraduate, graduate student from any department, faculty, alumni or administrator. There are two ways to participate in the course:
1. New ventures. Individuals or groups of people who have an idea, business innovation or technology they would like to develop can apply as a new venture (apply here). Note: If your idea has progressed beyond an idea (e.g. you’ve already formed a startup), you may want to consult the instructors to see if you should take the course, and if so, start with Mod I or wait until Mod II.
2. Free agents. Some participants may not have an idea for a startup, but they want to join a team that’s developing one. Most free agents join in Mod II, after the idea has undergone some evaluation and testing. Free agents can join a team from the beginning (Mod I), but should be prepared to switch teams if the idea is dropped early. Free agents may apply here.
Since 2000, 161 companies have participated in the StartUp UNC class, with half of those companies going on to launch and raise funding. These included companies from nearly every industry: software, hardware, healthcare, medical devices, clothing, social impact, etc.
For more information, please see the course website: startup.unc.edu
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