In the context of a constantly evolving global startup ecosystem, a good idea alone is no longer sufficient. What truly differentiates a successful startup lies in its ability to identify the right problem, develop a viable business model, validate the market, and deliver a compelling story to investors.
In response to this need, the “Startup Foundation” course has officially been launched as a foundational program, enabling students to approach entrepreneurship in a systematic, evidence-based, and execution-oriented manner, rather than relying solely on intuition-driven ideas.
Beyond equipping students with essential entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, Startup Foundation also serves as a launchpad for Saigon Business School (SBS) to identify, nurture, and develop high-potential talents, preparing them to participate in the upcoming Startup Competition. The program plays a vital role in shaping a new generation of students who dare to think boldly, act decisively, and possess the capability to turn ideas into reality within a practical business environment.
Core Objectives of the Startup Foundation Program
The Startup Foundation program is designed to:
- Equip students with a modern entrepreneurial mindset, placing the market and users at the center of all decisions
- Bridge academic knowledge with real-world startup operations
- Guide students step by step in transforming ideas into well-structured projects with strong growth and fundraising potential
The program serves as a foundational pillar for advanced courses, startup competitions, and future innovation-driven initiatives.
Highly Practical Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the course, students will not only understand startup concepts, but also possess tangible entrepreneurial assets, including:
- Validated startup ideas
Students are guided through market research, problem analysis, and customer insight validation to ensure their ideas address real market needs and genuine problems.
- Clear and logical business models
Using internationally recognized frameworks, students develop feasible business models that clearly define value creation, revenue generation, and sustainable operations.
- Investor-ready pitch decks
The program supports students in building pitch decks that meet investor standards, enabling them to confidently present their projects to expert panels, mentors, and investment funds.
- Opportunities to participate in Startup Competitions
High-potential projects are selected to join startup competitions, expanding students’ networks within the startup ecosystem and providing access to development resources.
A Learning Pathway Based on the “Build – Measure – Learn” Mindset
The course content is structured around a real-world startup lifecycle, enabling students to learn while actively developing their projects:
1. Problem & Insight: Students learn how to identify core problems, analyze customer behavior, and uncover key insights—the critical factors that determine a startup’s viability.
2. MVP & Validation: Starting from an initial idea, students develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and conduct validation through data, user feedback, and real-world testing.
3. Business Model & Economics: Students analyze business models, revenue streams, cost structures, unit economics, and key metrics that enable startups to operate effectively and sustainably.
4. Go-To-Market & Growth: The program guides students in building market entry strategies, identifying distribution channels, and designing growth and early-stage scaling strategies.
5. Legal & Fundraising: Students are equipped with foundational knowledge of startup legal frameworks, corporate structures, and common fundraising approaches.
6. Pitch & Storytelling: Students develop the ability to craft compelling startup narratives, present ideas clearly and persuasively, and build investor confidence.
Startup Foundation – A Launchpad for a Sustainable Startup Ecosystem
Startup Foundation is not designed to create short-lived startups, but to build strong foundations in mindset, skills, and methodology, enabling students to develop ventures with long-term potential.
Through the program, students are encouraged to experiment, embrace failure, and learn from real data, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, innovation-driven thinking, and adaptability in a global business environment.
Startup Foundation serves as the starting point for serious, structured, and sustainable entrepreneurial journeys in the future.
