I highly recommend reading about the business model canvas (definitely get this book [1]) and the "double diamond" framework [2] in design thinking. I'd also recommending reading some Steve Blank [3] for the "mainstream" understanding of "startup business".

The Lean Startup [4] is often recommended, but I've been told it's extremely beginner-level (though I haven't read it, so my analysis might be unfair)

If you want to get really in-depth, there's a lot of really great interplay between the design discipline and entrepreneurship that is often overlooked. "Design Thinking" is much more than a buzzword, check it out.

[1] https://www.amazon.com.au/Business-Model-Generation-Visionar...

[2] https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/news-opinion/what-framework...

[3] https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Owners-Manual-Step-Step/dp/09...

[4] https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous...

Try this:

https://www.amazon.com/Startup-Owners-Manual-Step-Step/dp/09...

and/or

https://www.amazon.com/Business-Model-Generation-Visionaries...

and/or

https://www.amazon.com/You-Build-Will-They-Come/dp/047056363...

and this:

https://www.amazon.com/Mom-Test-customers-business-everyone/...

Make sure there's a market for you ideas before you build them. Read Business Model Generation.

http://www.amazon.com/Business-Model-Generation-Visionaries-...

The business model canvas graphic on the right looked very familiar so I would recommend this book for further reading: http://www.amazon.com/Business-Model-Generation-Visionaries-...

As was I. But in the meantime, I've been reading the three books that Steve Blank has recommended in various interviews (citation needed):

- http://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-...

- http://www.amazon.com/Business-Model-Generation-Visionaries-...

- http://www.amazon.com/Four-Steps-Epiphany-Successful-Strateg...

I'd still love to know what was planned for the class, but these volumes have been valuable to me.

The book "Business Model Generation" by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur is mandatory reading wrt disruptive innovation. It's thorough, fun to read and beautifully designed. http://www.amazon.com/Business-Model-Generation-Visionaries-...