Benefits
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The Essentials of Entrepreneurship
Attention
Founder Fundamentals is running as "Entrepreneurship Essentials" in the summer term.
An interactive lecture designed as 12 workshops with topics covering everything you might need to found your own company without a background in economics. Founder Fundamentals is a 2-semester program (join at any time), where each semester includes a series of 6 interactive workshops, making a total of 12 available workshops over the Winter and Summer terms. The aim is to provide a broad foundation in entrepreneurship, accessible to students across disciplines.
Term(s)
The program is offered every Winter and Summer term. The next sequence of workshops will run in the Winter Term 2025. Next information session will take place in the first workshop: 21.10.2025, 13:30.
Time investment
3.5 hours per workshop, with 6 workshops per semester alternating every second week.
ECTS
Students can earn 3 ECTS credits for attending 6 workshops and an additional 3 ECTS credits upon completing 12 workshops in total. Join anytime.
Module type
Compulsory Elective Module
Module selection at HPI
Cybersecurity MA:
HPI-PSK-ML: Management und Leitung
HPI-DE-RWM: Recht, Wirtschaft, Management
Digital Health MA:
HPI-PSK-ML: Management and Leadership
Data Engineering MA:
HPI-DE-RWM: Recht, Wirtschaft, Management
HPI-PSK-ML: Management und Leitung
IT-Systems Engineering MA:
HPI-PSK-RW: Recht und Wirtschaft
HPI-PSK-ML: Management und Leitung
IT-Systems Engingeering BA:
HPI-PSK
Grades
You will have to hand in small workshop related assignments which will qualify you for the final oral exam (20 minutes).
Enrollment deadline
Enrollment is possible up to 8 days before the oral exam date.
Examination date
27.01.2026 (alternative dates also available upon request)
Teaching format
Workshops, with interactive sessions, practical exercises, and industry insights from business and legal experts.
Teaching language
English
Registration requirements and link
Any student enrolled at a German University can attend. If you're interested in participating, please send us an email and we'll keep you updated: founder-fundamentals@engine.hpi.de
Fee
free
Team budget
HPI Founder Scholarship
Participants
Maximum number of Participants
Room (Location)
Key dates
Learning and Teaching Methods
The program is structured around practical, hands-on learning experiences featuring speakers with relevant expertise in the field assessed in the respective workshop.
Program Structure
The workshops are spread over the term with bi-weekly sessions, allowing for flexibility and in-depth exploration of each topic.
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Below is an overview of the workshops provided during the Winter Term and their key topics:
Agenda Founder Fundamentals Winter Term 2025/26
Week 1
Day 1
21.10.2025 at 13:30
Founder Stories: Insights from founders on turning ideas into reality
In a panel discussion, learn about the ups and downs of creating a company from scratch and the motivation behind it.
Week 2
Day 2
04.11.2025 at 13:30
Convince & Conquer: Build presence and pitch with confidence
With the help of external coaches, you will get the opportunity to practice your pitch, receive tailored feedback, and sharpen your presentation skills without any pressure or outside expectations.
Week 3
Day 3
18.11.2025 at 13:30
Marketing & Sales: Sell it smart
In this workshop, you will get an overview on possible marketing strategies and the basic principles of sales featuring calculation exercises based on real-world examples.
Week 4
Day 4
02.12.2025 at 13:30
The Fine Print: Mastering term sheets & cap tables
Deep dive into the language of VCs and get to know the legal tips and tricks when it comes to negotiating your investment contracts.
Week 5
Day 5
16.12.2025 at 13:30
Numbers that Matter: Simple budgeting, investing, and financial planning
Learn about everything you ever questioned in terms of finance.
Week 6
Day 6
13.01.2026 at 13:30
Being an Employer: Leadership styles and the legal essentials of employment
Born leaders are more seldom then you are made to believe. This also comes with legal burdens you need to watch out for, especially when it comes to employment contracts, which will play a big role in this particular workshop.
Week 7
Day 7
Week 8
Day 8
Week 9
Day 9
Week 10
Day 10
Week 11
Day 11
Week 12
Day 12
Week 13
Day 13
Week 14
Day 14
Week 15
Day 15
Week 16
Day 16
Week 17
Day 17
Week 18
Day 18
Week 19
Day 19
Week 20
Day 20
Entrepreneurship Essentials Summer Term 2026
Week 1
Day 1
21.04.2026 at 13:30
Signed & Sealed: How to get your startup founded
Learn about the legal steps of founding a company with the help of a notary.
Week 2
Day 2
05.05.2026 at 13:30
The People Factor: Leading your startup team
Get to know how to recruit and retain talent together with a recruiter and understand what to look out for in an interview as well as what roles and personality types might or might not be helpful.
Week 3
Day 3
19.05.2026 at 13:30
Startup Diplomacy: How to solve conflicts & manage stakeholders
Understand how diplomacy works and how to prevent and manage conflicts professionally.
Week 4
Day 4
02.06.2026 at 13:30
Tax Made Simple: Legal requirements, financing rounds, exits, and investor taxation
Learn all about German taxes (what, where, when) and how to talk to the financial authorities.
Week 5
Day 5
16.06.2026 at 13:30
The VC Lens: Is venture capital right for you?
In a panel discussion with VC investors, learn about how investors review financing rounds and what qualities they are looking for before investing.
Week 6
Day 6
30.06.2026 at 13:30
Beyond the Norm: Purpose, people, and new models of corporate management
Running a business doesn't always have to be dull and bureaucratic capitalization. Learn about companies that tried something completely different and outside the norm.
Week 7
Day 7
Week 8
Day 8
Week 9
Day 9
Week 10
Day 10
Week 11
Day 11
Week 12
Day 12
Week 13
Day 13
Week 14
Day 14
Week 15
Day 15
Week 16
Day 16
Week 17
Day 17
Week 18
Day 18
Week 19
Day 19
Week 20
Day 20
Assessment Method
The course grade grade is based on active participation in workshops, submission of homework assignments, and an end-of-term interview session. Unlike traditional exams, Founder Fundamentals focuses on practical entrepreneurial skills rather than theoretical knowledge.
Homework Assignments
After each workshop, participants are expected to complete and submit assignments that include reflections, interviews, scenarios, or presentations.
Stamp Card & Interview Session:
Upon completing 6 workshops and the associated homework, students participate in a brief interview session to reflect on their progress, which is used to calculate their final grade.
Attendance Policy
Attendance in workshops is mandatory to qualify for credit conversion and grading.
Ruxandra Nastasa
Program Manager
Requirements
Program Structure
Data Rights
Recommended readings to complement the workshops include: