Break into VC: How Venture Capital Really Works [EN]

What happens behind the scenes when a venture capital fund decides whether to invest in a startup? In this workshop, we will take a practical look at how VC funds are structured and how investors evaluate, value and manage startup investments. We will explore key aspects of the investment process, from pitch decks and deal terms to valuation, portfolio management and potential exit scenarios. The workshop aims to provide an overview and inside perspective on how VCs think about investment opportunities and make decisions.

Agenda

• How VC Funds Work - Fund structures, investors and the VC investment model

• Evaluating a Startup - What matters in a pitch deck and when assessing an investment opportunity

• Deal Terms & Valuation - Key investment terms, contracts and how VCs value startups

• Portfolio Management - How VC funds manage and support their portfolio companies

• Exit Scenarios - How VC investments generate returns and what happens when a startup exits

• Case Studies & Discussion - Applying VC concepts to practical examples

Goals & Learnings

• Understand how venture capital funds are structured and how they operate

• Gain insight into how VCs evaluate and value startup investment opportunities

• Become familiar with key deal terms and aspects of VC transactions

• Understand how VCs manage their portfolios and ultimately generate returns

• Apply core VC concepts to practical cases and investment scenarios

Place & Time

• When: 09.12.2025 from 09:00 - 13:00

• Where: WU Entrepreneurship Center

Additional Information

This workshop will be held in English. 
No specific prior knowledge of venture capital is required. The workshop is designed for students interested in startups, entrepreneurship, finance and venture capital. Active participation and discussion are encouraged.

Trainers

Michael Burgstaller

Michael Burgstaller is an Investment Analyst at WU Ignite Ventures, WU’s investment vehicle, where he focuses on evaluating early-stage startups and investment opportunities. He is a graduate of the VC Analyst Program and has gained practical experience across startup analysis, due diligence and venture capital investing. Before joining WU Ignite Ventures, he worked in Corporate Development & Strategy at Bitpanda, gaining hands-on experience at one of Europe’s leading fintech companies. His experience across both the investor and startup side provides him with a practical perspective on how startups are evaluated, financed and developed.