Launching New Ventures

Executives in HBS exed classroom

To succeed as an entrepreneur, you need more than just a great idea—you need the right skillset and mindset to execute it. This program prepares you to turn disruptive innovation into a competitive advantage and a profitable business.

  • Dates

    Feb 23 – Mar 1, 2025

  • Status

    Accepting Applications

  • Format

    In-Person

  • Location

    HBS Campus

  • Fee

    $19,000

  • Application Due

    Feb 13, 2025

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

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The early days of a new venture demand a combination of strategy, vision, and impeccable timing to capitalize on market opportunities and establish a successful business.

Launching New Ventures delves into the core elements of entrepreneurship and building an entrepreneurial culture—from brand-new start-ups to newly established lines of business at legacy companies. You will gain the skills needed to make sound investment decisions, manage rapid change, and ensure the success of your new or existing enterprise throughout its lifecycle.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Examine strategies employed by successful entrepreneurs at every stage of the launch process

  • Identify opportunities and determine the feasibility of new ideas

  • Develop an effective business plan

  • Pitch your business to potential investors, customers, and partners

  • Level up your leadership approach to manage ongoing innovation, radical change, and growth

  • Build the team and capabilities needed to launch and nurture early-stage ventures

  • Recognize and manage risk while creating and measuring value

  • Evolve your strategies and leadership approach as your business grows

Program Format

  • 7
    days on the HBS campus
  • 12–15
    hours of pre-program work

Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Who Should Attend

  • Entrepreneurs launching their own startup

  • Executives responsible for jump-starting innovation in established companies

Global Perspective

Two female and two male executives sit and smile around a table filled with notes.
6%
Africa
16%
Asia Pacific
15%
Europe
9%
Latin America
5%
Middle East
49%
North America

Top Industries Represented

  • 22%

    High Technology

  • 16%

    Financial

  • 15%

    Professional Services

  • 7%

    Health Care

  • 5%

    Communications

  • 5%

    Consumer Products

  • 4%

    Retail Services

  • 3%

    Nonprofit Services

  • 3%

    Raw Materials / Energy

  • 3%

    Real Estate / Construction

Experience

Years Worked

  • 15%

    Less than 10 years

  • 22%

    10-14 years

  • 26%

    15-19 years

  • 20%

    20-24 years

  • 9%

    25-29 years

  • 5%

    30-34 years

  • 2%

    35-39 years

  • 1%

    40 or more

Companies That Have Participated

  • Accenture
  • Benefit Seven
  • Beneteau Inc.
  • BrainHeart Capital AB
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Eli Lilly
  • Revlon
  • SanDisk
  • United States Agency for International Development
  • Vivint

Teaching Team

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

  • William Kerr profile photo

    William R. Kerr

    Dimitri V. D'Arbeloff - MBA Class of 1955 Professor of Business Administration Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Research

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This in-person program takes place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

View of Executive Education area of HBS campus

The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad

Residence hall bedroom and bathroom, with woman looking out a window

Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions

Admissions

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.