Overview
Venture capital is the engine behind groundbreaking innovation, transforming ideas into global enterprises. For investors, it offers the potential for outsized returns, but success requires navigating a complex landscape of deal flow, valuations, and portfolio strategy. Whether you're looking to break into the field or refine your investment approach, mastering venture capital is key to identifying and capitalizing on high-growth opportunities.
Ideal for newcomers to the venture capital sector or those looking to deepen their careers in early-stage venture capital, our Mastering Venture Capital Deals program provides participants with a process for evaluating and monitoring potential opportunities and the knowledge they need to lower risk and increase returns.
The dynamic classroom setting, featuring live startup pitches, offers a unique opportunity to experience the nuances of early-stage investing. It equips participants with the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate and make informed decisions in the startup world.
Impact
Participants gain a profound understanding of:
- How to source best-in-class deal flow and evaluate early-stage investment opportunities
- How to conduct diligence on a team, a business model, and a product
- Key financial and governance terms that matter in a term sheet and cap table watchouts
- How to develop an investment thesis and build a strong portfolio strategy
- What happens post-investment and how industry trends are shaping venture capital
Program Structure
The venture capital program is taught in a highly experiential manner. Over three days, participants learn the frameworks to drive investment decisions and then apply them to case examples. Next, learnings will be applied to real-world startups that are currently fundraising. Participants assess each company as if they were considering investing.
Participants also hear from a number of guest speakers, including leading venture capitalists and other experts in the ecosystem, to gain a varied perspective and ensure they walk out of the program with a strong network of equally curious peers.
Explore the venture capital industry, using the 4P's framework to evaluate startups and understand key investment terms.
Participants will:
- Identify personal goals in startup investing
- Understand the 4P's framework for evaluating startups
- Recognize key deal instruments (equity, convertible notes, SAFEs)
Participant Profile
The Mastering Venture Capital Deals program is designed for:
- Aspiring venture capitalists or angel investors who want to understand how investors evaluate startups
- Founders who want to understand how early-stage investors evaluate startups
- Individuals interested in the startup landscape who want to better understand its language and players
Note: This program is not intended for those who want to dive deep into a particular sector or who are interested in the later stages of venture investing.
Industry
Geographic Spread
Faculty

Chirag Chotalia
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Business,
Finance Division
FAQ
Certification
I’m interested in the Certificate in Business Excellence (CIBE), how do I get started?
At Columbia Business School Executive Education, you’ll be able to customize a unique learning experience by selecting programs that best interest you and are most suited for your needs. Any completed program, regardless of format (live online, in-person, or online), will count towards the Certificate in Business Excellence.
Which programs qualify for the CIBE?
Any completed executive education program, regardless of format (live-online, in-person, or online), will count towards the Certificate in Business Excellence. Partner programs will also count towards the certificate.
What programs are considered partner programs?
Executive education programs developed and administered with our educational partners, bring the best of our combined knowledge, thought leadership, resources, and expertise. Kindly find a list of our partners here on our partnership page.
What are the costs of the certificate?
There’s no set cost associated with the certificate path since you’re able to customize your learning journey with in-person and online programs (price will vary depending on the program type and length).
Are there any tuition assistance or scholarships?
At Columbia Business School Executive Education, we offer non-degree and non-credit-based professional development programs to the global business community. As our programs are non-degree and non-credit, they do not qualify for financial aid.
How are CIBE credits determined?
Credits for a program are determined by the program duration and total learning hours.
Where do I find information on the credit value for a program?
You will find this information on each program page. Credits range from 0.5 credits – 26 credits per program.
How do I get enrolled in the CIBE?
Your certificate journey will start with your first program, and you have 4 years to complete your CIBE. You may register for any of our executive education programs on each program page. You may enroll using the “Enroll Now” button, and the application process should take 5-10 minutes.
How do I receive credits?
You are required to fully attend a program and complete all necessary coursework in order to receive CIBE credits. Credits are only awarded after you complete a program.
How do I check the status of my Certificate completion?
Kindly reach out to a Learning Solutions representative for any questions on the status of your CIBE credit count.
Do CIBE credits expire?
Credits are only valid for four years (Please note: While we are not able to offer in-person programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the duration to complete the programming has been extended to five years.). If you have not completed your CIBE within four years, we will only count non-expired credits towards your CIBE credit total.
Does the Certificate in Business Excellence expire?
Your Certificate in Business Excellence does not expire. Once you become a certificate recipient, you will join the greater alumni community at Columbia Business School.
I’ve reached 18 CIBE credits, what’s next?
Congratulations! You should receive a digital copy of your certificate at the end of your program. If you do not receive a copy from your program manager, kindly contact your Learning Solutions representative or your program manager for next steps.
Will I receive a physical certificate?
Upon completion, you will receive a secure, digital certificate through Accredible. Within the platform you will have the option to print your credential, post it to your LinkedIn feed, or display it on your profile as a certification. Please contact your program manager for the status of your digital certificate.
How do I get access to my alumni benefits?
Once you complete your CIBE, we kindly ask for your patience as we process your alumni credentials. The processing time can take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks long.
Can I add the Certificate in Business Excellence to LinkedIn?
Yes! We will provide you with instructions on how to add your certificate to your LinkedIn profile after you become a Certificate recipient.
Preferred Pricing and Tuition Benefits for Alumni
Are there preferred pricing options available?
Yes, preferred pricing is available for groups of two or more. To inquire, email execed@gsb.columbia.edu.
As a Columbia Business School alumni am I eligible for tuition benefit?
When you earn a Certificate in Business Excellence you will receive a 25 percent tuition benefit for full-price Executive Education in-person programs lasting three and four days and all full-price online programs. Exclusions apply**
Which programs do not qualify for a 25 percent tuition benefit?
- Columbia Senior Executive Program
- Executive Development Program
- Emerging Leader Development Program
- Finance and Accounting for the Nonfinancial Executive
- High Impact Leadership
- Leadership Essential
- Leading Strategic Growth and Change
- Chief Business Officer
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Chief Investment Officer
- Venture Capital Private Equity
- Digital Business Leadership Program
- Global Banking Program: Fintech, Digital, and Analytics
- Executive Program in Management
Assignments
Will there be any homework or assignments?
For select programs, there will be some assignments to complete after the end of select program sessions. Assignments will typically consist of readings, self-reflections, and brief assessments. This approach is designed to help you practice your learnings.
How long will assignments take?
We do not expect that homework assignments will take up a large amount of time to complete.
Will there be any examinations or grades?
There will be no examinations or grades for our live online programs.
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