I’m a big believer that entrepreneurship can’t really be taught in an academic setting like a classroom. It’s something that needs to be experienced and it’s a mindset that needs to be lived.
That being said, I do believe there are some core things we can teach our kids in schools and at home to arm them with the right foundational tools and thought processes. Here’s some that came to mind after a discussion with my old high school teacher Jenny.
Finding problems and markets
- How to find waste/inefficiency
- How to become uniquely qualified
- Asking questions/research
- Determining your unfair advantage
Difference between product and tech
- What is Product
- MVPs
- PRDs
- Roadmaps
- Basic project management techniques
How cap tables and VCs work
- Valuations & growing the pie
- Using ESOPs to align incentives (including how vesting schedules work)
- Funding rounds and what they mean
- What VCs look for and common terms/levers in term sheets.
Pitching/narratives
- How to make a pitch deck
- Public speaking
- Taking feedback well
Psychology
- Opportunity cost and overcoming risk aversion
- Learning about and compensating for weaknesses
- Managing Expectations/Managing Up
- Avoiding pain avoidance and investing in the long term
- Learning from others
- Attitude of lifelong learning
Any other ideas?