Imagine the vibrant spring season at KAIST, a renowned university known for its excellence in both engineering and business. As cherry blossoms painted the campus with delicate hues, a group of daring students gathered at KAIST College of Business to embark on an extraordinary journey into the captivating world of venture capital. Get ready to leave behind traditional classroom norms and join me on a lighthearted and exciting review of a class that defied expectations!
At KAIST, known for its expertise in engineering, it may come as a surprise to some that the College of Business holds its own unique charm. Here, the worlds of science, technology, and finance intertwine, creating an exhilarating environment where rocket science meets the art of investments. It's a fusion that only KAIST could pull off with such finesse!
Now, picture this: a vibrant spring evening, where students typically gather to enjoy the blossoming cherry trees and unwind with friends. However, for a select group of adventure-seeking souls, the allure of venture capital proved too enticing to resist. From 7 PM to 10 PM, we willingly traded our carefree moments for the chance to dive into the intricate world of investments. Who needs a leisurely stroll when you can unravel the mysteries of venture capital?
The fame of the class and Professor Yongwook Paik preceded them, captivating students far and wide. The class registration surpassed all expectations, causing a frenzy of eager participants. In a true display of generosity, Professor Paik welcomed every student into the fold, resulting in a class size that exceeded the university's limits. With such overwhelming demand, the decision was made to shift the class to the virtual realm, uniting venture capital enthusiasts from across the digital landscape.
Each week, our intrepid group was presented with not one, but two challenging business cases to tackle. These cases were no ordinary puzzles. They were like brain-bending riddles, adorned with complex financial jargon and intricate scenarios. But armed with determination and a sense of adventure, we dove headfirst into these intellectual challenges. Hours were spent dissecting case studies, crafting case memos, and collaborating to crack the code of venture capital success.
Yet, just when we thought the challenges couldn't get any more thrilling, Professor Paik introduced the notorious "cold call." In each class, students were selected at random to answer questions, injecting an element of surprise into our educational journey. It was like being cast into an intellectual game show, where quick thinking and expertise were essential to thrive. We sharpened our focus, eagerly anticipating our moment in the spotlight. Little did we know that venture capital could turn a classroom into a heart-pounding stage!
But the adventure didn't end there. The second half of our journey brought us to uncharted territories within the realm of venture capital. We explored new topics, delving into valuations, funding rounds, and the intricacies of entrepreneurial finance. It was an expedition of knowledge, led by Professor Paik's expertise and our insatiable curiosity. And just when we thought we had seen it all, surprise quizzes awaited us. These impromptu challenges tested our understanding of previous class material, adding an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to our venture capital odyssey.
