FALL 2026 SEMESTER
MANAGEMENT 4315 (UNDERGRAD)
VENTURE CAPITAL DESIGN (CRN 75160)
MONDAYS 6:40PM-9:30PM
MANAGEMENT 615 (GRAD)
VENTURE CAPITAL DESIGN (CRN 75161)
MONDAYS 6:40PM-9:30PM
PREREQS: MGT1301 or
MGT2301 or MGT1001
This fall, St. John’s University will launch a new 3-credit experiential venture capital course for juniors, seniors, and graduate students who want to understand how venture capital really works - not just in theory, but through hands-on practice.
The course is designed to immerse students in the core activities of venture capital. Working in teams, students will learn how investors identify promising startups, evaluate markets, analyze business models, conduct due diligence, prepare investment memos, and think through how investors support companies after an investment is made. Over the semester, students will screen startups, conduct market and competitive analysis, interview customers or founders, and develop professional-style investment recommendations.
The class will also introduce students to the structure and language of the venture capital industry, including fund formation, LP/GP relationships, deal sourcing, investment thesis development, valuation methods, term sheets, portfolio management, and exit strategies. Students will have the opportunity to participate in investment committee-style simulations and prepare final recommendations similar to those used by investors when evaluating early-stage companies.
This course is part of a broader venture capital ecosystem being developed at St. John’s. That ecosystem will include Shark Tank-style pitch events, opportunities for students to engage with startups and investors, and the longer-term development of a student-managed venture fund. Together, these initiatives are intended to give students a practical pathway into venture capital, startup finance, entrepreneurship, and strategic investment.
Questions may be directed to James Kinsley, Director Venture & Innovation Center at [email protected]