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E140A
- Session 12
The Business Plan
Summary
This session examines the art and science of business plans, which many observers consider to be a vital part of entrepreneurship. In addition, we will illustrate the three most common alternatives that high-potential startups face in financing growth.
Prior to this session, we will be having lunch with Bryan Schreier, Mark Dempster and Roelof Botha from Sequoia Capital.
Guest Speakers
Required Readings
(Policy
on Required Readings.)
- Technology Ventures by Dorf and Byers: Chapter 16-20 (Highlights: 16.1, 16.2, 17.1, 17.9, 18.5-7, 19.1-4, 20.1, 20.4)
- "How To Write A Great Business Plan" by William Sahlman, Harvard Business Review (see here for directions on downloading this HBR article)
- O'Brien: Three ways Yahoo could become great again
- Case: Yahoo! (Dorf and Byers Appendix)
Suggested Readings
-
Skim the two business plans in Appendix A of Technology Ventures by Dorf and Byers.
Study Questions
(Policy
on Study Questions.)
- What made Yahoo an attractive opportunity (and not just a good idea) in 1995 according to Salhman and any other relevant frameworks in E140A? How will Yahoo make money?
- Identify the major risks in each of these categories: technology, market, team, and financial. What is the most important category and risk?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of the three major options they could pursue to finance the venture in 1995 (e.g., venture capital, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and acquisition to become an operating division of an established company).
- What do you believe Yahoo's vision and strategy should be in 2009?
Assignment 1
Login into the MFP Forum. Under the session assignment topic answer the following questions:
"I suggest that Jerry and David [accept/do not accept -- choose one] Sequoia's offer because..."
Note: Only one submission is required from the opening team. All others must submit individual entries.