About Ruben van Werven
Ruben van Werven is a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London. He is the Course Director of the Entrepreneurship MSc at Bayes Business School. In his research, Dr van Werven studies the early stages of setting up entrepreneurial ventures, including high‑tech firms and social enterprises, with particular interest in the role language plays in new venture creation – analysing founder pitches, conversations with mentors and investors, and even how start-up names influence success. This research focus gives him deep insight into practical entrepreneurial processes, making him especially well‑suited to teach a course that blends academic understanding with real‑world venture practice.
He teaches early‑stage start-up entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship in corporate settings to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, bringing theory and practice together for learners. His academic work appears in journals such as Small Business Economics and British Journal of Management and explores topics such as entrepreneur–mentor feedback and how founders convince stakeholders of their ventures’ potential.
How the Entrepreneurship MSc Course prepares students for the future
The Entrepreneurship MSc at Bayes Business School is designed for ambitious graduates who want to launch or scale businesses, drive innovation within organisations, or take on strategic roles in venture capital, scaleups or start-up advisory. Located in London’s dynamic start-up and investment ecosystem, the course combines rigorous academic foundations with practical, hands‑on experience.
Industry‑focused learning
Students learn through real‑world applications integrated throughout the course, including:
- Live entrepreneurial consultancy projects, where students tackle strategic challenges with real startups
- Personal mentoring from experienced founders, investors and venture builders
- Guest speakers and networking events, including pitch nights, founder talks and panels with industry professionals
- Entrepreneurial ecology engagement, connecting with Bayes’ vibrant City Ventures hub and London’s broader innovation community
These experiences help students apply theory in practice and build professional confidence.
Comprehensive skill development
Students develop a broad and practical skill set, including:
- New venture creation, evaluation and business model development
- Product innovation and operational feasibility assessment
- Entrepreneurial marketing and sales strategy
- Funding strategies from seed round to exit
- Team leadership, negotiation, storytelling and pitching skills
Modules emphasise both foundational knowledge and the practical skills needed to navigate the unique challenges of entrepreneurial ventures.
Industry engagement and networks
Bayes’ location in London gives students access to accelerators, investors and a global entrepreneurial community. The course also includes a well‑established mentorship scheme that pairs students with seasoned practitioners for guidance and career insight. Through alumni networks and events such as the Bayes Alumni Community of Entrepreneurs (BACE), students can build lasting professional connections. (turn0search1)
Career preparation
Graduates of the Entrepreneurship MSc are prepared to:
- Launch their own ventures and scale them effectively
- Take on strategic roles in business development or innovation consulting
- Join venture capital firms or start-up advisory teams
- Lead entrepreneurial initiatives within established organisations
The combination of hands‑on projects, mentoring and networking ensures students leave with the confidence, practical experience and professional visibility needed to succeed in entrepreneurial careers worldwide