Enrolment options
Foundational Course on Investment Readiness in South Asia
Women-led digital businesses often face underfunding, partly due to limited access to accurate information about the various investment options available and their digital businesses' lack of readiness to receive funding.
To support its members address these challenges, eTrade for Women has designed an online foundational course on investment readiness for women digital entrepreneurs in South Asia (Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), to provide the members of the Communities in the region with the right skills to attract and secure capital and scale their businesses up. In particular, this course will help members:
- Prepare for a smooth fundraising process: Understand key tools & documents to fundraise successfully
- Make the right funding choices: Choose the best funding path for their enterprise, based on their business model and stage of development
- Find and win over investors: Identify, connect with and pitch to the right investors
- Navigate investor expectations: Understand what investors look for, recognize potential risks, and learn how to address common challenges when raising capital
- Understand the specificities of their regional context: Apprehend the particularities of the South Asia region through targeted content and expert insights specific to the region
Objectives
- Prepare for a smooth fundraising process: Understand key tools & documents to fundraise successfully
- Make the right funding choices: Choose the best funding path for their enterprise, based on their business model and stage of development
- Find and win over investors: Identify, connect with and pitch to the right investors
- Navigate investor expectations: Understand what investors look for, recognize potential risks, and learn how to address common challenges when raising capital
- Understand the specificities of their regional context: Apprehend the particularities of the South Asia region through targeted content and expert insights specific to the region
Methodology
The online course will comprise a blended learning approach, including:
- Pre-Recorded Video Sessions:
- A series of 5 modules covering core topics on investment readiness, complemented by an annex with useful links and a toolbox.
- Each module will include case studies specific to South Asia for a deeper understanding of the topics addressed in the module and to scale best practices from successful businesses.
- Each module will conclude with quizzes to reinforce learning, along with supplementary resources, including useful links and additional material PDF formats (e.g. reading material on the module’s topic)
- Each video should be no longer than 15 minutes to ensure the content remains focused and concise. A single module may include multiple videos if necessary, with an overall expected duration of approximately 2h30 hours.
· Online Live Interactive Sessions:
- 2 Q&A sessions of 1hr each with selected expert(s) will be available for participants who have already completed the video modules. These discussions will include additional practical case studies to clarify any doubts on the course, enhance understanding, or allow participants to discuss their personal cases in small group settings. These sessions will be focused on South Asia, allowing for deeper exploration of regional specifics.
o Small group formats (5 to 10 participants) will be used to promote active engagement and tailored interactions.
Contents
5 modules including:
Module 1: Introduction to investment readiness: Understanding funding sources
Topic: The different types of funding available, and how to choose the right one, as this impacts ownership, growth, and long-term financial stability
Questions to be addressed:
o Should you raise capital or grow organically?
o How do you assess the right funding type for your business?
o What types of investors should you consider?
o Which investor and amount is best for your maturity stage?
Module 2: Navigating investor expectations
Topic: Understanding the common expectations and concerns of investors before they provide funding
Questions to be addressed:
o A. What do investors look for when funding digital businesses?
o B. How do you deliver a compelling pitch?
o C. How do you handle investor concerns about risks?
o D. Opportunities and challenges to raising fund as a woman digital entrepreneur
Module 3: Discovering and engaging investors
Topic: How to identify, approach, and engage the right investors to increase the chances of securing funding
Questions to be addressed:
o A. Which specific investors should you target?
o B. Which programs & grants should you know about?
o C. How do you approach investors? How do you do this successfully?
o D. What investor questions should you expect when engaging?
Module 4: Preparing for fundraising rounds
Topic: Understanding the typical fundraising round process, as well as the key decisions and documents needed to successfully secure investor buy-in; understanding the risks and challenges of entering a partnership with investors
Questions to be addressed:
o How does a fundraising round work?
o How do you determine how much to raise?
o How do you determine the right valuation for your business?
o How do you structure your financials for the various types of investors?
o What are common due diligence requirements, and how do you prepare?
o What are the risks and challenges associated with new investors?
Module 5: Wrap-up & Assessment
o Recap of key takeaways
o Final quiz based on a case study (Passing grade 100%)
APPENDIX: with useful links and a recap toolbox for easy use
Target Audience
Women digital entrepreneurs from the eTrade for Women South Asian Community.
Prerequisites
Applicants have been selected on the basis of a clearly defined set of criteria as set out in the application form published online.
Cost participation
This course is free of charge
