Course
High School: Startup Bootcamp: Build Your Own Big Idea
BUSA-90063
Welcome to Startup Bootcamp: Build Your Own Big Idea—a 15-hour, hands-on adventure into the world of entrepreneurship! This course is designed to give high school students an insider’s look at how tech is shaping the future of business and how startups grow from simple ideas to game-changing ventures. You’ll learn how to spot opportunities, develop your own business ideas, and take them to the next level with market research, business planning, and pitching your ideas to a real venture capitalist! By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to pursue your own startup dreams.
What you'll learn
- Understand key components of entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem
- Identify a business opportunity and develop a business idea
- Gain hands-on experience in market research, financial planning, and customer acquisition
- Learn how to pitch a startup idea and attract funding
- Build confidence in using real-world tools used by startups
Course Information
In-Person
1.50 units
$495.00
Course sessions
Add To Cart
Add To Cart
Instructor:
Hi, I'm Bhargavi, an accomplished venture capitalist, seasoned business finance professional, and a passionate finance educator. With over 17 years of experience spanning the realms of corporate finance, startup innovation, and venture capital, I've played a role in the success of more than 28 startups. As a Founding Partner at Java Capital, a pre-seed stage VC fund, I've been instrumental in helping a diverse array of businesses scale and thrive.
My journey, which has taken me from corporate boardrooms to the heart of startup ecosystems, uniquely positions me to blend my finance acumen for firms of different stages and sizes. I excel at the crossroads of finance and innovation, providing essential support to early-stage companies. My expertise spans sectors like Automotive, Healthcare, Deeptech, D2C, and Climate-tech.
Beyond my professional life, I'm deeply committed to extending financial knowledge among entrepreneurs, business professionals and young minds. I've had the privilege of teaching financial planning and startup investing to adult and young learners from around the globe, from India to North America, Canada to Singapore.
Whether it's advising on startup investments or navigating the intricate financial aspects of businesses, my diverse background equips me to provide invaluable support.
I believe in empowering the next generation with financial wisdom. My mission is to equip individuals with financial knowledge, whether they're entrepreneurs charting their course or young minds embarking on a journey of learning.
Full Bio
Section ID:
198231
Class type:
This is a traditional classroom setting.
All class meetings held in-person according to published location, dates and times. Students may be expected to engage with course content online during the published course dates.
All class meetings held in-person according to published location, dates and times. Students may be expected to engage with course content online during the published course dates.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 6/29/2026
- 1st meeting mandatory
- Early enrollment advised
- No visitors permitted
- Pre-enrollment required
Note:
Course Location: UC San Diego Extended Studies
8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA 92037
In-person, full day program runs 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Lunchtime is from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Students must bring their own lunch each day.
Schedule:
| Date | Day | Start | End | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/20/2026 | Mon | 9:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Room 575, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 7/21/2026 | Tue | 9:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Room 575, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 7/22/2026 | Wed | 9:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Room 575, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 7/23/2026 | Thu | 9:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Room 575, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
| 7/24/2026 | Fri | 9:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Room 575, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego |
Instructor:
Bhargavi Vijayakumar
Bhargavi Vijayakumar
My journey, which has taken me from corporate boardrooms to the heart of startup ecosystems, uniquely positions me to blend my finance acumen for firms of different stages and sizes. I excel at the crossroads of finance and innovation, providing essential support to early-stage companies. My expertise spans sectors like Automotive, Healthcare, Deeptech, D2C, and Climate-tech.
Beyond my professional life, I'm deeply committed to extending financial knowledge among entrepreneurs, business professionals and young minds. I've had the privilege of teaching financial planning and startup investing to adult and young learners from around the globe, from India to North America, Canada to Singapore.
Whether it's advising on startup investments or navigating the intricate financial aspects of businesses, my diverse background equips me to provide invaluable support.
I believe in empowering the next generation with financial wisdom. My mission is to equip individuals with financial knowledge, whether they're entrepreneurs charting their course or young minds embarking on a journey of learning.