This website provides access to pre-recorded sessions covering the key concepts required to model in the venture capital / start-up environment.

Topics will include returns, the income statement, free cash flow, waterfalls, and more. The level of complexity will range from fundamental to advanced

Whether you are an experienced investor looking to develop your skills further, or someone new to the industry who does not have a finance background, there will be courses for you


Jasleen Kaur

Venture Investor at CE Innovation Capital

Zach is by far one of the best instructors I have ever come across. From the get go, he creates an environment that encourages questions. Not only has he put together a curriculum that is highly relevant, but he teaches it in a manner that keeps each person engaged and active in the conversation. The best part – Zach goes out of his way to help you post-course, making himself available for questions that come up for you in routine work or interviewing. Take this course whether you know how to model or not, you won’t regret it!

Madeline Keulen

Managing Director at Circle Up

“Zach is a fantastic teacher and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to take his class. Zach is humble, clever, and highly authentic. His passion for teaching shines through in each of his lessons and he goes out of his way to be there for his students. I’d highly recommend working with him.”

Matt Weinberg

Investor at Max Ventures

Zach’s class is fantastic. The content is must know for anyone in venture capital or thinking about venture capital. Honestly, I’d recommend Zach for anyone in a finance-related role that deals with investing in private companies. In addition to exceptional content, Zach is an exceptional teacher – patient, accessible, and always going the extra mile to ensure his students are getting the most out of the class. I could not recommend his class more.”

Hi, I'm Zach

Hello, I'm Zach Brauer, the founder of Pivot Education and the course creator / instructor for the courses offered here.

I started Pivot Education to pay forward the help I received in my life from my countless mentors. Their time, effort, and counsel over the years have been invaluable, and I'm sure they'll never know the impact they had on my life. I am thankful everyday that they saw someone in need of support or an opportunity. Now, I am at a point in my life where I can start doing the same. I started this class for two close friends and two friends of theirs, thinking that even just teaching to 4 people would be impactful. I am humbled that through word of mouth and referrals it has evolved into a course well beyond my wildest expectations, and I am fortunate to have this opportunity to give back to so many people.

My background revolves around deal underwriting. I have worked in venture capital, private equity and debt, limited partnerships, investment-grade debt, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and divestitures. I previously worked with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota in the Corporate Development / Corporate Venture Group (Stella Ventures) and at Northwestern Mutual Capital, the private equity arm of Northwestern Mutual.