Become a systems-minded investor with a fully online certificate designed by leading institutions in venture, innovation, and capital access.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
Nine Session Virtual Course
Self-paced and flexible
$999.99 tuition total
Competitive pricing with flexible options.
Program at a Glance
The BTEI Certificate™ empowers emerging investors and ecosystem leaders with the tools, knowledge, and network to close capital gaps and expand access to high-growth opportunities.
Through a rigorous, on-demand 9-part curriculum, you’ll gain the skills to evaluate early-stage startups, assess risk, navigate key investment documents, and move capital with precision and purpose.
Developed during Dr. Rodney Sampson’s Keohane Distinguished Visiting Professorship at UNC Kenan-Flagler and Duke University—in collaboration with Stanford Technology Ventures Program and The Links, Incorporated—this program fuses top-tier insight with practical, systems-level application.
This isn’t just a course. It’s a blueprint for ownership, opportunity, and lasting impact.
Explore The BTEI Certificate™
In this nine-session certificate program, you’ll develop the foundational skills of early-stage investing, capital deployment, and ecosystem-level impact.
Most new investors are unaware of the structural barriers that shape access to capital across emerging markets—and even fewer are equipped to drive meaningful change. This program equips you to identify and evaluate early-stage investment opportunities within undercapitalized innovation ecosystems. You’ll gain practical insight into startup due diligence, SEC regulations, venture fund dynamics, and post-investment governance.
The program begins with a systems-level view of the innovation economy and its potential for job creation, inclusive growth, and long-term value creation. From there, you’ll explore the history of venture capital, key legal frameworks, and tools like term sheets, cap tables, and deal memos. Along the way, you’ll learn from leading investors and fund managers actively shaping the future of equitable innovation and economic development.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the clarity, confidence, and community to move capital with purpose—and position yourself on the ownership side of the future economy.
Lesson 1: The Case for Technology Investment
Explore the importance of investing in the technology and startup ecosystem — and how doing so supports job creation, economic mobility, and inclusive innovation.
Lesson 2: History of Ecosystems and Venture Capital
Trace the evolution of venture capital and explore the critical contributions of historically underrepresented entrepreneurs and funders in shaping today’s innovation economies.
Lesson 3: Navigating the Innovation Ecosystem
Understand the roles of ecosystem builders—developers, founders, investors, and organizers—and how capital flows through innovation networks.
Lesson 4: Risk, Legalities & the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Understand SEC regulations, key risks, and the legal responsibilities associated with investing in this asset class.
Lesson 5: Early Stage Investments
Learn the fundamentals of due diligence, direct investing, and how to evaluate and support startups from the earliest stages.
Lesson 6: Venture Fund Investing
Dive into how venture funds are structured, how they build investment theses, and how to participate in fund-level investing alongside experienced general partners.
Lesson 7: Questionnaires and Term Sheets Title Goes Here
Get hands-on with investment documents, including accreditation questionnaires, deal memos, and term sheets — and learn what’s required to participate in private capital markets.
Lesson 8: Accounting, Taxes, and Exits
Understand the financial implications of investing, including 83(b) elections, K-1s, tax strategy, and how returns are realized.
Lesson 9: Creating Multigenerational Wealth
Close the course with a strategic look at how affinity-based investing builds wealth, redistributes opportunity, and reshapes the future of capital through an equity-driven lens.
Featured Guest Lecturers
Learn directly from investors and fund managers who are deploying capital and building ecosystems in real time.
Widely known as the “Father of the JOBS Act”, a landmark policy that expanded capital access for early-stage firms. As former Vice Chairman of NASDAQ, his work helped democratize investing. Today, he leads Weild & Co., helping entrepreneurs raise capital and build long-term financial strategies.
Nationally recognized leader in inclusive investing. As founder of VC Include and Include Ventures, she catalyzes capital for diverse fund managers. Her work has supported firms managing over $4 billion in assets and shaping a more equitable investment ecosystem.
Marlon Nichols is an award-winning investor and cultural trend-spotter. As co-founder of MaC Venture Capital, he manages a portfolio of over $600 million and has backed more than 50 startups. His work centers on identifying inclusive, high-growth opportunities that reflect the future of innovation.
Most People Will Never Be Ready for the Future of Work
It’s not because they lack potential—it’s because they lack access to the right opportunities.
The global economy is shifting at an unprecedented pace. AI, automation, and digital disruption are reshaping industries, creating massive opportunities for those who are prepared—and leaving everyone else behind.
375 million jobs could disappear by 2030 due to automation (McKinsey), forcing entire industries to evolve overnight. Only 41% of college graduates feel workforce-ready (Gallup), proving that traditional education alone is no longer enough. And with less than 5% of business leaders prepared for digital transformation (Deloitte), the future will be defined by those who take action now.
The question isn’t whether change is coming—it’s whether you’ll be ready to lead or risk becoming invisible.
Are You Eligible for a special discount?
If you’re part of a nonprofit, employee resource group (ERG), or currently enrolled as a student, you may qualify for a significant tuition discount. Talk to us to find out!
Meet the Instructors
Learn from nationally recognized Investors, Fund Managers, & Founders
Endorsements & Testimonials
BTEI Certificate™ prepares you to invest with purpose and power — when it matters most.
Still have questions? Or ready to enroll?
The BTEI Certificate™ is available on-demand — start anytime. Have questions? Let’s talk.