This advanced program, offered by Oxford Training Centre (OTC), equips participants with practical expertise in startup finance and venture capital dynamics. Designed for professionals working at the intersection of corporate finance and entrepreneurship, the course emphasizes capital-efficient growth strategies, term sheet negotiations, and regulatory compliance. Through scenario-based simulations and real-world case discussions, participants gain boardroom-ready skills to confidently navigate investor relations, fundraising rounds, and valuation strategies.
Objectives & Target Group
The program is tailored for:
- Financial executives, CFOs, controllers, and strategic planners working with or advising early-stage ventures.
- Venture capital analysts and associates preparing for portfolio decision-making.
- Startup founders and scale-up CEOs seeking to strengthen financial strategy, understand funding dynamics, and align with investor expectations.
- Corporate M&A and business development leaders requiring insight into startup valuation, funding mechanisms, and risk management frameworks.
- Seasoned professionals and high-potential leaders aiming to interface fluently with venture capital stakeholders and drive sustainable growth.
Participants will exit the course with:
- Operational fluency in venture financing instruments.
- The ability to model and negotiate term sheets effectively.
- Confidence in defending valuation narratives with data-driven insights.
- Capability to align financial planning with investor and regulatory priorities.
Course Content
Module 1: Foundations of Startup Finance
- Understanding capital structure in early-stage ventures
- Mapping the funding lifecycle: Seed to Series C and beyond
- Strategic fit and financial discipline from day one
Module 2: Venture Capital Landscape & Term Sheet Mechanics
- Investor types: angels, venture capitalists, corporate ventures
- Decoding term sheets, preferred shares, liquidation preferences
- Negotiating equity dilution and control rights
Module 3: Financial Planning & Performance Alignment
- KPI development for high-growth environments
- Scenario analysis and benchmarking
- Ratio and trend analysis to guide investor conversations
Module 4: Compliance, Risk, and Stakeholder Reporting
- Regulatory considerations in startup financing
- Building transparent investor relations
- Preparing for due diligence and board-level reporting