Global Immersion: Foundations of VC in Japan

Learning Objectives: (1) To understand and experience the process of investing in early stage startups and how that differs between the US and Japan (a) Sourcing deals from the startup ecosystem (b) Conducting diligence (c) Valuing startups (d) Negotiating term sheets (financial and governance terms) (e) Managing a portfolio post investment (2) To understand the investing landscape: players and resources (3) To understand the structural differences between venture capital and angel investing. This course covers many of the same topics as Foundations of VC and therefore students will not be able to take them both for credit. The course will travel during spring break March 9-16, 2024 to Tokyo, Japan. Global Immersion Program classes bridge classroom lessons and business practices in another country. These three credit classes meet for half a term in New York prior to a one week visit to the country of focus where students will meet with business executives and government officials while working on team projects. Upon return from the travel portion of the class, students may have one wrap up meeting at Columbia Business School. The 2023-2024 Global Immersion Program fee for all classes is $1950 and provides students with double occupancy lodging, ground transportation and some meals; unless an increased fee is otherwise specified in the course description. It does not cover roundtrip international airfare. Attendance both in New York and in country and regular participation are a crucial part of the learning experience and as such attendance is mandatory. Students who miss the first class meeting may be removed from the course. No program fee refunds will be given after the add/drop period has closed. Please visit the Chazen Institute website to learn more about the Global Immersion Program, and visit the Global Immersion Policies page to review policies affecting these courses.