Case University Course

Case Course: ENTP 433

Starting and Managing a Successful Startup

This course focuses on the key issues in starting and managing a successful startup through the critical phases of growth: Birth, Funding, Pre-Product Launch, Product Launch, Rapid Growth and Exit Strategy. Students will be exposed to prominent alumni who have multiple entrepreneurial experiences enabling future entrepreneurs to avoid pitfalls and communication mistakes that could doom their fledgling company. (Fall)

Evenings: 6:00 to 8:00P, Tues., Sep. 13, 27, Oct. 11, 25, Nov. 15, 29

Session One: Birth/Starting Up Instructor: Edward Esber

Session Two: Funding Instructor: Edward Esber

Session Three: Pre-Product Launch Instructor: Ted Schroeder

Session Four: Product Launch Instructor: Edward Esber

Session Five: Rapid Growth Instructor: Edward Esber

Session Six: Exit Strategy: Going Public/Being Acquired/Liquidation

Instructor: Edward Esber

Q&A: Guy Kawasaki by video teleconference

Based on the book “The Art of the Start” by Guy Kawasaki, founder of Garage Technology Ventures and one of the Apple Fellows responsible for the success of the Macintosh computer.

Ed Esber has over twenty-five years experience in the computer industry working for IBM, Texas Instruments and as the CEO of Ashton Tate and the COO of Creative Labs. He was either a Founder, Director or Board member of several startups including VisiCorp, Creative Insights, SoloPoint, Motion Computing, Blue Roads Software, Poqet Computer and Pocket.com. He pioneered the marketing and distribution of retail, packaged software and developed the market strategies for two of the world’s best selling PC software packages of their time: VisiCalc and dBase. He marketed the first spreadsheet, the first office suite and the first Wintel graphical user interface. After pioneering work in personal computer software, did seminal work on the integration of computers and multimedia at Creative Labs, the integration of toys and computers at Creative Insights, the integration of computers, communications and telephony at SoloPoint, the mobilization of email and internet access at Pocket.com and personal computer mobility at Motion Computing, a tablet PC company. Currently serving or has served on the Board of Directors of over twenty-five public and private technology companies as well as one university. Education includes: BS Computer Engineering, MS Electrical Engineering degrees and Harvard MBA.

Ted Schroeder was a founding engineer at Alteon Web Systems, Inc. a world leader in content aware switching, subsequently acquired by Nortel Networks Corporation (Symbol:NT). He is a member of the Technical Advisory Board of NetOctave, a Raleigh, NC-based developer of silicon-based network security solutions and has been a regular speaker and panel member at technical conferences around the world. Mr. Schroeder’s 20 year business career includes software consulting in the data and voice networking industry and engineering and engineering management at a number of startups, primarily in data and voice networking. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Math from Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated magna cum laude, and a Master of Science Degree in Computer Engineering. Mr. Schroeder is a singing member and a Director of the Santa Clara Chorale and an accomplished pianist.

Dr. Jennie Hwang Her biographical sketch reads like a book of achievements. After having held corporate executive positions, she founded three entrepreneurial businesses. Internationally renowned in her field with sustained leadership for 25 years in the global landscape. Holder of a number of patents. Author of 250 publications including several books used worldwide. Lectured to more than 15,000 professionals and researchers on new technology dissemination to the workforce. Keynoted to numerous national and international events. Held manifold leadership positions. Serves on various committees and boards.

Possible Guest Campus Speakers

David Altounian Founder of Motion Computing

As the founding member and Chief Technology Officer of Motion Computing, Inc., David Altounian brings nearly 20 years of management and staff experience in the computer and consulting professions. Recently retired from Dell Computer Corporation after nearly seven years, Mr. Altounian served in senior marketing executive positions for both the notebook computer and workstation product businesses where he was responsible for the WW Product Marketing organizations. He spent two years in Europe as the General Manager, Workstation Line of Business for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Prior to joining Dell, Mr. Altounian managed marketing and business development teams for leading technology companies including Motorola, Compaq Computer Corporation and Ashton-Tate. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from California Coast University.

Speaking on October 11, 2005 from 4:30-5:45PM

William (Bill) T. Coleman CEO and Founder, Cassatt

Coleman founded and was the first chairman and CEO of BEA Systems. Under his leadership, BEA became the fastest software firm ever to exceed $1 billion in annual revenue. As vice president of system software at Sun Microsystems, Coleman’s team transformed SunOS into the commercially successful Solaris operating system. While at Sun he also founded Sun’s Professional Services Division and co-founded Sun’s Federal Division. With more than 30 years of high-technology experience, Coleman leads a seasoned executive team averaging nearly twenty five years of experience each.

Speaking on November 30, 2005 from 4:30-5:45PM

Guy Kawasaki Managing Director and Chairman

Guy Kawasaki is a founder and Managing Director of Garage Technology Ventures. Prior to this position, he was an Apple Fellow at Apple Computer, Inc. and sits on the board of BitPass Inc. A noted speaker and the founder of various personal computer companies, Guy was one of the individuals responsible for the success of the Macintosh computer. He is also the author of eight books including The Art of the Start, Rules for Revolutionaries, How to Drive Your Competition Crazy, Selling the Dream, and The Macintosh Way. Guy holds a B.A. from Stanford University and a M.B.A. from UCLA, as well as an honorary doctorate from Babson College

Speaking on November 29, 2005 from 7:00-8:00P

Instructors and Guest Speakers Subject to change without notice

MGMT433 Course Feedback from Students

“…thank you for an educational and motivational class. I got more from 6 weeks of MGMT433 than 15 weeks of ENTP429.”

MGMY433 Student Z.S.

“It was a pleasure taking your course. It provided unique real world perspective and the opportunity to learn from your experiences and listen to other distinguished speakers was invaluable. Thank you for the vision to plan this course.”

MGMT433 Student R.S.

“I really like your class ….. I like the way you think and do as an entrepreneur and the way you motivate me to start up my own business. Because of your motivation, right now I have my business idea in my mind. I am searching for the possibility and might start right after I graduate.”

MGMT433 Student J. U.

You were a treat to listen to and took the best class for me in the semester. I wish I had more classes with you. I learnt(sp) many things from you and always used to see your class as a replacement to the Guy’s prescription of a ‘soulmate’.

MGMT Student D. B.