This half semester course provides students with the opportunity to perform due diligence on early-stage social ventures
(nonprofit and for-profit ventures with a social or environmental mission). This course is designed for MBA students
interested in impact investing, social entrepreneurship, or philanthropy. The objective of the course is for students to
learn both the theory of investing in early-stage social ventures and the practice of evaluating early-stage social ventures
through a due diligence process. This course is not designed for the evaluation of larger, well-established social
enterprises.
Students are placed in teams to evaluate social entrepreneurs from the Columbia University community who have applied
for funding from the Tamer Fund for Social Ventures. The course is a combination of in-class lectures and discussion, and
practical application of class lessons outside of the classroom. Major topics covered include: the due diligence process,
assessing venture pitches and teams, due diligence in emerging markets, due diligence of non-profits, impact
measurement and management, and valuations and deal structure.
During the course, each student team completes detailed due diligence on their assigned social venture, including
diligence on applicants, the social venture and the sector. The course concludes with student teams submitting a written
due diligence report and a recommendation for funding to the Investment Board of the Tamer Fund for Social Ventures.
Division: Finance
Center/Program: Tamer Institute
Curriculum Pathway: Climate, Venture Capital
Corequisite
Must be enrolled in the following Courses
Spring 2025
B8767 - 001
Day(s)
Date(s)
Start/End Time
Room
-
Thursday 03/24/2025 - 05/02/2025 2:20PM - 5:35PM Kravis 620
Fall 2024
B8767 - 001
Day(s)
Date(s)
Start/End Time
Room
-
Thursday 09/03/2024 - 10/11/2024 2:20PM - 5:35PM Geffen 390
Spring 2024
B8767 - 001
Day(s)
Date(s)
Start/End Time
Room
-
Thursday 03/18/2024 - 04/26/2024 2:20PM - 5:35PM Geffen 420
Fall 2023
B8767 - 001
Day(s)
Date(s)
Start/End Time
Room
-
Thursday 10/23/2023 - 12/08/2023 2:20PM - 5:35PM Kravis 890