Why Start-ups Fail?
Practical info
Course Date
Capacity
3 ECTS (78 academic hours, of which 16 in classroom and 62 individual work)
Lecturers
Language
English
Method
In class
Location
EBS University, A.Lauteri 3, Tallinn
Price
Stronger decisions at critical stages of start-up growth
The course provides an integrated view of the factors that affect the launch, development and potential failure of a start-up. Participants learn to analyse business models, market plans, management choices and team-building decisions, as well as their impact on growth and risk. Practical assignments connect theoretical knowledge with real entrepreneurial challenges. The course also addresses responsible decision-making, self-management and burnout prevention, which can have a significant impact on performance during the early growth stage.
In this course, you will study alongside third-year students.
Who is Why Start-ups Fail? intended for?
The course is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, start-up founders and team members, as well as practitioners who want to understand the risks associated with launching and growing a start-up. It is also suitable for professionals involved in decisions related to business models, product development, marketing, investment or team development. Previous entrepreneurial experience may be beneficial.
Explore the course
The course is delivered in English during the autumn semester of 2026. Contact learning takes place across four sessions. The theoretical component combines lectures, seminars and independent study, while the practical component includes activity analysis, individual assignments, a group-based case study and an in-class presentation.
Topics Covered
Why is it important?
The decisions made when establishing a start-up influence its funding needs, launch and future development. Understanding the specific characteristics and challenges of start-up entrepreneurship supports more informed decisions during the early stages of the company.
What will happen?
The session introduces entrepreneurship and start-up entrepreneurship. It covers starting a company, funding and launching.
Why is it important?
The reasons for failure can differ depending on the company’s stage of development. Understanding these differences helps participants recognise the challenges associated with launching, scaling and maturing a start-up.
What will happen?
The session examines reasons for failure during three stages of development: launching, scaling and maturing. It also addresses market- and management-related reasons for failure.
Why is it important?
Recognising problems early can help a start-up respond before they become more difficult to manage. This may require the company to reassess its current approach and consider a change of direction.
What will happen?
The session focuses on how start-ups can avoid failure. It also covers pivoting and includes a guest speaker.
Why is it important?
As a start-up matures, its management team faces new decisions concerning the company’s development and potential exit. Presenting an analysis also allows participants to demonstrate how they apply the knowledge and skills developed during the course.
What will happen?
The session includes 90-minute exam presentations. It also covers the maturing and exiting of a start-up.
Entry requirements
- High School Education or equivalent qualification.
- Valid temporary residence permit or EU citizenship/valid living permit
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student:
- Understands the main reasons why start-ups fail and can explain how they are linked to management, financial and market risks. (Knowledge)
- Can analyse a start-up’s business model, assess its weaknesses and make well-founded recommendations for improving the company’s situation. (Application of knowledge)
- Recognises the societal impact and responsibilities of start-up entrepreneurship and considers ethical, environmental and social sustainability principles when making decisions. (Social factors)
- Demonstrates responsibility and self-reflection by applying self-management techniques to reduce stress and prevent burnout. (Individual skills)
- Can critically assess entrepreneurial challenges, prepare well-reasoned analyses and present solutions in both professional and broader contexts. (Transferable skills)
Assesment criteria
The final grade is based on individual assignments, a group case study and presentation, and active participation.
- individual assignments
- group case study and presentation
- active participation
Learning Enviroment
The course takes place at EBS’s modern campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3. Students have access to ergonomic classrooms, the EBS library, and the cloud-based Canvas learning platform. The study process is supported by online tools such as Zoom, MS Teams, or Canvas Conference. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. On-site attendance is required.
The University reserves the right to make adjustments to the programme in cooperation with the lead lecturer to ensure the best possible learning experience.