Macquarie University

Validate New Ideas for Startups

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Macquarie University

Validate New Ideas for Startups

Savannah Brown

Instructor: Savannah Brown

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Educate Skills for Startups Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 8 modules in this course

Welcome to Macquarie University Incubator! This course is part of a three-part series teaching you everything you need to know to validate your startup idea, and bring it to life. The first course in the series, Validate, is designed to empower you with the essential tools and techniques to validate your startup ideas effectively. You'll gain insights into market research, customer discovery, and prototype testing, helping you turn your concepts into viable business models. By the end of the course, you'll have a clear understanding of your target market, a validated business idea, and the confidence to take the next steps in your entrepreneurial journey. Get ready to transform your ideas into reality. Before we go further, here is a little about us...

What's included

3 videos2 readings1 plugin

In this module, you'll explore a user-centered approach to innovation, focusing on understanding and empathising with your target audience to generate creative solutions that address real-world needs. By applying design thinking principles, you'll learn to identify problems from the user's perspective, foster creativity, and prototype ideas that are both viable and impactful. This process encourages a deep connection to the customer, ensuring that the solutions developed are not only innovative but also truly meet the needs of those they aim to serve. The module will empower you to think creatively and systematically to solve complex problems.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 plugin

In this module, you'll explore the fundamentals of the Business Model and Value Proposition Canvas, focusing on identifying and refining key elements that drive a successful business. You'll learn to map out your business model systematically, defining customer segments, value propositions, revenue streams, and key resources. By applying a structured approach, you'll develop a deep understanding of how your business creates, delivers, and captures value. This module will equip you with practical tools to test assumptions, iterate on your model, and craft a compelling value proposition that resonates with your target audience, ensuring a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

What's included

2 videos4 readings1 plugin

In this module, you'll explore the fundamentals of leveraging your network and making meaningful connections to validate and refine your ideas. You'll learn how to identify key stakeholders, seek valuable feedback, and build relationships that can strengthen your business concept. By applying a structured approach, you'll gain a deep understanding of how to engage with potential customers, mentors, and industry experts to test assumptions, uncover new opportunities, and refine your value proposition. This module will equip you with practical strategies to expand your network, gather insightful feedback, and develop a strong foundation for building a viable and impactful business.

What's included

3 readings1 assignment2 plugins

In this module, you'll explore the fundamentals of planning, conducting, and analysing customer discovery interviews to validate and refine your business ideas. You'll learn how to craft effective questions, engage with key stakeholders, and extract meaningful insights that drive innovation. By applying a structured approach, you'll gain a deep understanding of how to test assumptions, uncover customer needs, and refine your value proposition. This module will equip you with practical strategies to design impactful interviews, interpret feedback, and use data-driven insights to build a stronger, more customer-focused business.

What's included

1 video4 readings2 plugins

In this module, you'll explore the fundamentals of researching your market landscape to build a competitive and informed business strategy. You'll learn how to analyze industry trends, assess competitors, and identify gaps and opportunities that set your business apart. By applying a structured approach, you'll gain a deep understanding of your target market, customer needs, and emerging trends. This module will equip you with practical strategies to gather and interpret market data, refine your positioning, and develop a strong foundation for a competitive and sustainable business.

What's included

6 readings1 assignment1 plugin

In this module, you'll learn how to craft a compelling and investor-ready startup pitch that clearly communicates your vision, value proposition, and market opportunity. You'll explore the key elements of an effective pitch, from structuring your narrative to highlighting traction, competitive advantage, and financial potential. By applying proven pitching frameworks, you'll develop the skills to engage investors, customers, and stakeholders with confidence. This module will equip you with practical strategies to refine your messaging, anticipate tough questions, and deliver a persuasive pitch that drives interest and investment in your startup.

What's included

4 readings

This course has taken you through the key pillars of building and growing a successful venture—from customer discovery and pitching to sales, marketing, and business structuring. You’ve learned how to clearly communicate your vision, attract and retain customers, protect your ideas, choose the right legal framework, and secure funding. Each module has offered practical strategies, tools, and frameworks to strengthen your entrepreneurial mindset and skills. With these foundations in place, you’re now ready to approach new opportunities and challenges with confidence. The journey doesn’t stop here—your next step is to bring these lessons together into a cohesive strategy and apply them to your own venture.

What's included

1 assignment

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Savannah Brown
Macquarie University
4 Courses88 learners

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