The courses combine classroom sessions with lectures and interactive activities as well as out-of-class exercises and assignments to provide participants with the skills, culture, and networks they need to establish, operate, sustain, and scale new businesses. Participants receive UC Berkeley certificates upon completion of the courses.

Throughout, theoretical and conceptual approaches are supplanted by case studies and visits to Silicon Valley. Participants are exposed to practical examples of budding and thriving startups, renowned technology companies, venture capitalists, and angel investors as well as incubators and accelerators. The courses are enriched by insights from entrepreneurs and VCs, who discuss their successes and failures, analyzing the lessons they have derived from each.