What do growing early-stage digital start-ups look like? A mixed-methods approach |
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| Institution: | 1. Lero - The Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, National University of Ireland Galway, Upper Newcastle Road, H91wn80, Galway, Ireland;2. ELTRUN, Athens University of Economics and Business, Room 801, 47A Evelpidon Str., 113 62 Athens, Greece;3. ELTRUN, Athens University of Economics and Business, 47A Evelpidon Str., Room 801, 113 62 Athens, Greece;4. Information School, The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 211 Portobello, Sheffield S1 4DP, UK |
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| Abstract: | Digital entrepreneurship is one of the most important and impactful forms of entrepreneurship. However, the majority of digital start-ups fail to scale, despite their potential to achieve growth. Moreover, what constitutes growth is significantly different for start-ups as compared with established firms: they have limited financial performance, and their growth cannot be accurately measured by metrics such as customers, revenues, profits, and turnover at the early stages of the new venture creation process or before the start-up has reached sustainability. Therefore, the first objective of this research is to contribute to the definition of growth by examining less tangible dimensions of growth. Moreover, the second objective is to identify the characteristics of early-stage digital start-ups experiencing growth. Based on a mixed-methods approach, which combines an adapted Delphi study, a questionnaire-based survey, and a comparative case study, our results suggest that growing digital start-ups exhibit a set of characteristics that include: an agile culture combining clan with adhocracy; the ability to nurture their absorptive, innovative, and adaptive capabilities effectively; and a human capital with adequate entrepreneurial skills, emotional attachment to and fitness with the start-up. |
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| Keywords: | Entrepreneurship Start-ups Growth Capabilities Culture Digital innovation Mixed methods |
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