Lean Startup Fundamentals

Rebecca Weeks Watson is an accomplished entrepreneur, innovator, and educator who brings her extensive Silicon Valley experience to her roles as an adjunct professor at Davidson College's Hurt Hub for Innovation and the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce. With a 16-year career in Silicon Valley, Watson has been on the founding teams of digital media and marketing startups, leading Business Development departments, with one startup acquired by Meredith Corporation and another by Taptica. Her innovations have earned her two U.S. technology patents, and she has been a sought-after speaker at over 50 conferences. Watson's multifaceted experience as a founder, co-founder, angel investor, and advisor provides her students with invaluable insights into the startup ecosystem. At Davidson College, she teaches "Building a Lean Startup," a 7-week course that covers essential topics for aspiring entrepreneurs, including idea generation, customer acquisition, sales and marketing strategies, hiring, fundraising, and key metrics measurement. Watson's teaching philosophy emphasizes practical application, encouraging students to investigate, experiment, test, and iterate as they develop new products and services. Beyond her academic roles, Watson continues to inspire through "The Reveal," a groundbreaking interview series she founded, featuring high-profile business leaders sharing personal stories of overcoming challenges.