For many founders, raising capital is one of the most stressful and opaque parts of the startup journey. The boardroom can often feel like a one-sided equation where investors hold all the cards, creating a massive information asymmetry between entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

To tip the scales back in your favor, Techstars invites you to enroll in the Venture Deals Summer 2026 online course.

This free, self-paced, "learn-by-doing" program is designed to give early-stage founders, investors, and startup enthusiasts total confidence when navigating venture transactions.

Secure your free spot.

What is the Venture Deals Course?

The course is based directly on the definitive book "Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist," written by Techstars Co-Founder Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson.

Rather than walking through rigid academic theory, the program utilizes educational videos featuring a diverse group of real-world investors who share raw, honest advice, actionable strategies, and insider perspectives. You’ll also gain access to a dedicated course Guide, practical tools, and resources to help keep your energy focused on building your business rather than guessing what investors want.

What You Will Master

Over the course of the program, you will develop the fundamental tactical skills required to successfully close a round of funding:

• Ecosystem Navigation: Understand the roles, incentives, and psychology of the different players within the venture capital ecosystem.

• Strategic Targeting: Learn how to identify, qualify, and prioritize the right investors specifically for your company's stage and industry.

• Term Sheets & Cap Tables: Demystify how to structure financings, manage capitalization tables, navigate syndication, and minimize structural risks.

• Negotiation Tactics: Master the mechanics of boardroom negotiations so you can protect your equity and establish healthy, long-term investor relationships.

• Founder Wellness: Learn practical mental wellness strategies to protect your focus and resilience during the grueling fundraising process.

Enrollment Now Open

The Venture Deals course is offered only three times a year. Because the course content is highly sought-after, past cohorts have reached capacity quickly.

• Enrollment Begins: June 15, 2026

Learn more and enroll now.

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