Our Course

IB101 is for anyone interested in learning about investment banking—whether you're a student exploring career paths or a founder looking to understand how to sell your company. The course focuses on the sell-side M&A process and provides a practical, insider's look at how deals actually get done. For students, IB101 can help inform your choice of college, major, or internships. For founders, IB101 will give you the tools and insight to approach your company’s sale process with confidence and clarity.

  • Access lectures and interviews from experts in their field.

  • Test your knowledge of each Module via the assignments and quizzes.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Module 1: What is M&A?

    • 1.1 What is M&A?

    • 1.2 Who Are the Key Players in M&A?

    • 1.3 Product Groups vs. Industry Groups

    • 1.4 Phases of the Sell-Side M&A Process

    • (Optional) Quiz: M&A Dictionary
  • 2

    Module 2: Building the Buyer List (Phase 1)

    • 2.1 Building the Buyer List

    • 2.2 Strategic Buyers

    • 2.3 The M&A Matrix™: Analyzing the Strategic Buyer

    • 2.4 Financial Buyers

    • (Optional) Quiz: Financial Buyer Types
  • 3

    Module 3: Gathering the Data for the Buyers (Phase 1)

    • 3.1 The Right People for M&A

    • 3.2 How to Use LinkedIn for M&A

    • Bonus Video: How to Use PitchBook (1/2)

    • Bonus Video: How to Use PitchBook (2/2)

    • Bonus Video: How to Use Crunchbase

    • Bonus Video: How Else Can We Find Contact Information?
  • 4

    Module 4: Writing the CIM and BOM (Phase 1)

    • 4.1 Offering Memorandum

    • 4.2 Confidential Information Memorandum
  • 5

    Module 5: Going out to Market (Phase 2)

    • 5.1 Going to Market

    • 5.2 Outreach

    • 5.3 The NDA Process

    • 5.4 Company Background & Research

    • 5.5 Indications of Interest (IOIs)

    • 5.6 Management Presentations

    • 5.7 Letters of Intent (LOIs)

    • LOI/IOI Terminology

    • (Optional) Quiz: Going out to Market

    • Bonus Video: Comparing LOIs, an Interview with Michael Douglas
  • 6

    Module 6: Getting the Transaction Across the Finish Line (Phase 3)

    • 6.1 Due Diligence

    • 6.2 Purchase Agreements
  • 7

    (Optional) Module 7: Working Capital and Financial Modeling

    • Valuation Techniques

    • Discounted Cash Flows

    • Comparable Companies Analysis

    • Precedent Transactions Analysis

    • Quiz: Financial Modeling

    • What is Working Capital?

    • Quiz: Working Capital
  • 8

    (Optional) Module 8: Recruiting and Internships

    • Interview Tips and Tricks from Karen Elders

    • Interview Tips and Tricks with Obinna Arizor

    • More Interview Tips and Tricks

    • Tips and Tricks for Interviewing

    • Interview Practice Questions (Behavioral and Technical)

    • A Day In the Life of an Investment Banker, Interview with Caroline Lippman
  • 9

    Bonus Content

    • Phases of the Buy-Side M&A Process

    • Capital Raising

    • An Interview With a Private Equity Analyst

    • An Interview With a Venture Capitalist

    • An Interview With a Search Funder

    • Interview With a Sell-Side Entrepreneur, Aarti Khullar

    • Interview With a Sell-Side Entrepreneur, Parsa Rezvani

Students who have completed this training have been hired by: