Entrepreneurial Startups in Real Estate: Innovations and Solutions

July 28-August 1, 2025

This course is designed to explain and explore entrepreneurship in the context of the business of real estate. Real estate entrepreneurs must frequently go beyond a transactional framework to build companies or investment platforms devising unique and industry changing “proptech” business ideas. 

The course will introduce students to the personal skills, organizational challenges and market factors that influence the success or failure of an entrepreneurial business. 

Coursework will in part entail working in teams to devise a business idea using concepts learned that will be presented to the class on the last day of the course.

Skills/Learning Outcomes

Students will learn to:

• Discuss examples of current entrepreneurs, their companies and their importance to both the local, national and global economies.
• Identify and evaluate the personal attributes and skills that characterize the “successful” entrepreneur, then comparing their personal characteristics and interests to that of the “successful” entrepreneur.
• Research and explain issues relevant to entrepreneurs.
• Recognize the financial, marketing, legal, human resource, operations and general management skills that are necessary to successfully launch and operate a successful new business.
• Understand the importance of a thorough business plan for a new real estate business product or service.

Overall Takeaways

At the conclusion of the course, students will have enhanced insight and skills to undertake an entrepreneurial real estate business either now or at some future point in their careers

Instructor Bio

Stephen Peca is a senior private equity professional who has invested and guided investment decisions globally in well excess of US$100 billion, and has extensive experience ranging from banking and finance to capital markets, project management, risk management and executive education. During his career at firms such as Moody’s Analytics, Fleet Securities – Bank of America, Fuji Bank and notable other firms, Stephen’s role has expanded into entrepreneurship and venture capital. Stephen also teaches and has taught at Fordham University, Baruch College (CUNY), New York Law School and New York University, while also teaching for other companies in various other venues around the world.

Stephen has a Certificate in Advanced Management from the University of Chicago, a Certificate of Effective Project Management for Building Design and Construction and a Certificate in the Executive Management Series in Real Estate Development both from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and a BBA in Public Accounting, and worked on an MBA in Financial Management from Loyola University Chicago. He is a Chartered Management Consultancy Surveyor and a Certified Public Accountant.

Stephen frequently participates as a panelist or panel moderator, is often quoted in various publications and his book, Real Estate Development and Investment: A Comprehensive Approach, has been adopted by numerous universities and industry professionals globally.

Course Schedule