My expectations before attending the Entrepreneurship workshop

Initially, I joined for the networking opportunities. I’ve been to similar events before, but this one exceeded my expectations. Although it lasted several hours over the weekend, the content was original, each session included interactive elements and was really engaging throughout—the time flew by. The speaker, David Frazee, encouraged questions and discussion, which kept the sessions dynamic and interactive. Between the lectures, the breaks for meals and coffee allowed for the networking time I was looking forward to.

Key highlight: engaging with expert speakers

One of the standout moments for me was how engaged and supportive David Frazee was throughout the sessions. He tailored his advice to our individual ideas and initiatives, as well as generously sharing free access to his online resources, which included valuable tools and frameworks we could use to develop our own startup projects. This personalised approach made the learning experience much more hands-on and relevant.

Making connections that last

The relaxed setting—over breakfast, lunch or coffee—made it easy to network. I was able to meet students from the MBA programmes at Imperial across a range of disciplines. I connected particularly well with two Weekend MBA students with similar interests and ambitions. During a break, we brainstormed ideas and are now actively working on a project together. That unexpected collaboration has been one of the most valuable outcomes for me.

More than a certification: practical startup tools and enhancing the investor mindset

Attending the workshops and earning the certificate gives you a clear framework for building and pitching a business idea. I gained practical insights, tools and strategies that help structure my plans, while also learning from the real-world examples and expert guidance shared throughout the sessions. Whether you’re launching a startup or evaluating one as an investor, the workshop offers useful tools and insights to approach it with confidence.

What drew me to the Certificate in Innovative Entrepreneurship workshop at Imperial

I attended the workshop to gain practical knowledge on how to launch and scale a startup, as well as leadership and fundraising strategies. I was also excited to meet other entrepreneurial-minded individuals and potentially find a technical co-founder for a startup project I’ve been developing.

Engaging sessions with venture capitalist David Frazee

Led by venture capitalist David Frazee, the sessions combined engaging lectures with dynamic Q&As. David stayed long after the session to speak one-on-one with students and answer questions at all levels. Hearing classmates’ diverse perspectives during open discussions was a real highlight. I also appreciated the case studies on non-profits like the Red Cross and their revenue-generating models.

Top takeaway: personalised feedback on my own ventures

The most valuable moment for me was receiving direct feedback on my own idea—particularly around developing a cost-effective minimum viable product (MVP). This advice made the project feel more tangible and achievable. A key piece of advice from David was that founding a successful startup is a powerful first step toward becoming a venture capitalist, as the experience will be valuable in understanding businesses.

Career value of the certificate

Beyond the credential and the ability to apply your new knowledge and language to ventures, attendees gain unique skills they can use throughout the job hunt. These can be particularly useful in interviews and cover letters, where demonstrating familiarity with entrepreneurial principles and impact models can help set you apart from other candidates.

The value of networking at Imperial Business School

The connections I made were just as valuable as the session content. I appreciated the support from Imperial staff, who helped me to connect with potential technical co-founders prior to the event. I also had the opportunity to meet and learn from experienced professionals, such as a Weekend MBA student who works at Amazon. Hearing attendees’ career journeys and experiences provided invaluable insights and helped expand my professional network beyond my programme and fields of interest.