First-Time Founders
Designed for people preparing to launch their first venture. It is especially useful for learners who need a structured, practical route into dtc strategy rather than a purely theoretical overview.
ESH-08980 · E-commerce
DTC Strategy Applied Lab for First-Time Founders — E-commerce
A 18-hour intermediate course for people preparing to launch their first venture who want to produce a complete applied project in dtc strategy. The course combines the e-commerce context with practical frameworks, realistic cases, guided exercises and a final applied output. Participants finish with a structured approach they can adapt to a real venture, team or project.
Blended online18 hoursIntermediateFirst-Time FoundersBuild pathway
What you need
A business idea is useful but not required.
European Startup Hub Certificate of Completion — DTC Strategy Applied Lab
A staged portfolio of applied outputs culminating in a final project.
Learning outcomes
What you will be able to do.
Outcome 1
Explain the core principles of dtc strategy in the context of e-commerce.
Outcome 2
Diagnose a realistic dtc strategy challenge using structured startup tools.
Outcome 3
Build a practical dtc strategy output appropriate for first-time founders.
Outcome 4
Evaluate evidence, assumptions and trade-offs before making dtc strategy decisions.
Outcome 5
Apply dtc strategy methods to a venture, project or organisational scenario.
Outcome 6
Create a next-step action plan that can be used after the course.
Full syllabus
12 course modules.
Each module combines explanation, examples and an applied activity.
Module 1
Foundations of DTC Strategy
Practical study of foundations of dtc strategy with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 2
The E-commerce context
Practical study of the e-commerce context with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 3
Customers, users and stakeholder needs
Practical study of customers, users and stakeholder needs with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 4
Tools and frameworks for DTC Strategy
Practical study of tools and frameworks for dtc strategy with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 5
Evidence, data and assumptions
Practical study of evidence, data and assumptions with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 6
Designing the approach
Practical study of designing the approach with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 7
Execution and operating decisions
Practical study of execution and operating decisions with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 8
Measurement and key indicators
Practical study of measurement and key indicators with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 9
Risks, ethics and common failure modes
Practical study of risks, ethics and common failure modes with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 10
Case study: DTC Strategy in practice
Practical study of case study: dtc strategy in practice with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 11
Applied workshop: build your DTC Strategy output
Practical study of applied workshop: build your dtc strategy output with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Module 12
Action plan and next milestones
Practical study of action plan and next milestones with examples, prompts and an applied activity.
Assessment
A staged portfolio of applied outputs culminating in a final project.
Included materials
Digital course notes · Practical worksheets · Case exercises · Action-plan template · Completion record in ESH ID
Learning support
Platform learning support; live facilitator interaction is included where the delivery format states Live online or Blended online.
Course information & disclaimer
Educational programme. Completion does not constitute professional, legal, financial or investment advice and does not guarantee funding, employment or business outcomes. Catalogue version 2026.1 · Last reviewed 2026-08-24.
Ready to begin?
DTC Strategy Applied Lab for First-Time Founders — E-commerce · 18 hours · Blended online
Enrol for €510