This course introduces students to the concepts, challenges and tools associated with the creation and evaluation of New Technology Ventures. During the course we shall discuss entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship, sharpen our abilities to review venture opportunities and expand our understanding of the various stages and factors which impact the success of NTVs.

The course also incorporates an overview of the Israeli High-Tech Eco-system and will use examples from past and current high-tech companies, policy instruments and related cases that facilitate a deeper understanding of concepts in entrepreneurship and innovation. The drivers behind successful high-tech ecosystems as well as the specific Israeli context are discussed.

Business model design methodologies are studied and implemented using current companies.

The course also includes an overview of market structures and concepts which have a strong impact on a wide variety of current-day technology ventures; including: Networks and Network Externalities, Two Sided Markets, selling for Free and ‘The Long Tail’.

Issues pertaining to incorporation, financing, valuations, Venture Capital and deal structures as well as new financing regimes such as Crowdfunding are also discussed.

Teaching methodology incorporates lectures, case studies and active student participation.

As part of the course students are expected to apply the discussed frameworks and methodologies to an existing early stage technology venture. The course Assignments will be performed on portfolio companies of TheTime (www.thetime.co.il) a technology incubator with a focus on startups in the areas of Telecom, Internet, Media and Entertainment. This will allow participants to get a better feeling for the way theory becomes practice.