Recent years have seen the rapid emergence of a new format of corporate-startup engagement: the corporate accelerator program. This format aims to support early-stage ventures to overcome their initial challenges, while fostering corporate innovation within established firms. Extant literature has emphasized the importance of networking for entrepreneurs to increase their chances of survival. Accordingly, networking opportunities constitute a major reason for startups to join an accelerator. To date, research on corporate accelerators has remained scarce and left it unclear how networking happens in this context.
This thesis sheds light upon why and how startups network within corresponding programs and explores the implications of corporate accelerators on entrepreneurial networking. An inductive, multiple case study of six startups that graduated from different programs in Germany was performed. The results revealed four mechanisms that corporate accelerators provide to foster networking: pitch events, expert mentoring, referrals and physical proximity. These mechanisms were used differently given the participants’ stage of product development and prior network support. Interestingly, an initial exploratory study unveiled two distinct types of corporate accelerators: “innovation vehicle” and “investment vehicle” programs.
The type of program appeared to shape the configuration of the four mechanisms and thus the opportunities and possible networking outcomes for participating startups. In general, corporate accelerator programs seem to increase intensity, efficiency and successfulness of startups’ network tie formation. This study enhances the theoretical understanding of corporate accelerators and contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial networking. It further provides valuable insights for program operators and potential startup participants.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- DEFINITIONS
- 1. INTRODUCTION
- 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1 The Potential and Liabilities of Entrepreneurial Ventures
- 2.2 The Emergence of Corporate Accelerator Programs
- 2.3 The Importance of Networks for Entrepreneurs
- 2.4 Entrepreneurial Networking
- 3. METHODOLOGY
- 3.1 Research Approach
- 3.2 Case Selection and Data Source
- 3.3 Data Collection
- 3.4 Data Analysis and Structure
- 4. RESEARCH FINDINGS
- 4.1 Networking Intentions within Corporate Accelerator Programs
- 4.1.1 Increased Visibility and Business Network Reach
- 4.1.2 Expert Knowledge and Business Support
- 4.1.3 Initiation of an Incumbent Firm Collaboration
- 4.2 Networking Mechanisms within Corporate Accelerator Programs
- 4.2.1 Pitch Events
- 4.2.2 Expert Mentoring
- 4.2.3 Referrals
- 4.2.4 Physical Proximity
- 4.3 The Impact of Corporate Accelerators on Entrepreneurial Networking
- 4.3.1 Bridging Function and Tie Formation Push
- 4.3.2 Efficient Match-Making
- 4.3.3 Enhanced Startup Legitimacy and Credibility
- 4.1 Networking Intentions within Corporate Accelerator Programs
- 5. DISCUSSION
- 5.1 Why and how do startups network in corporate accelerator programs?
- 5.2 How do corporate accelerators impact entrepreneurial networking?
- 5.3 Theoretical Implications
- 5.4 Managerial Implications
- 6. CONCLUSION
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The main objective of this dissertation is to explore entrepreneurial networking within corporate accelerator programs, examining how these programs enable and foster network development for early-stage ventures. The study seeks to understand the intentions behind startups joining corporate accelerators, the specific mechanisms used within these programs to facilitate networking, and the resulting impact on startups’ networking activities.
- The role of corporate accelerator programs in supporting entrepreneurial networking
- The intentions of startups participating in corporate accelerator programs regarding networking
- The mechanisms employed by corporate accelerators to foster networking opportunities for startups
- The impact of corporate accelerators on the effectiveness and success of entrepreneurial networking
- The moderating effects of startup stage and corporate accelerator program type on networking dynamics
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 2 provides a theoretical foundation for the study by reviewing existing literature on corporate accelerators and entrepreneurial networking. It discusses the initial challenges faced by startups, the emergence of corporate accelerator programs as a new format for corporate-startup engagement, and the importance of networks for entrepreneurial success. The chapter explores different approaches to network tie formation and examines the potential of corporate accelerators to foster entrepreneurial networking.
Chapter 3 outlines the methodology employed in the study. It highlights the choice of a multiple case study design to address the research questions and the use of inductive, theory-building approaches. The chapter details the process of case selection, data collection through semi-structured interviews and secondary data, and the data analysis methods used.
Chapter 4 presents the empirical findings of the study, exploring the networking intentions of startups participating in corporate accelerator programs, the mechanisms used to foster networking within these programs, and the impact of these programs on entrepreneurial networking. The chapter discusses how startups leverage these programs to enhance visibility, access expert knowledge, and initiate collaborations with incumbent firms.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary keywords and focus topics of this dissertation encompass corporate accelerator programs, entrepreneurship, networking, entrepreneurial networking, and corporate innovation. The study explores the role of corporate accelerators in supporting startup success by fostering entrepreneurial networking, examining the mechanisms, intentions, and impact of these programs on venture development.
- Quote paper
- Vanessa Ostertag (Author), 2017, Corporate Accelerator Programs. Supporting Startup Success by Fostering Entrepreneurial Networking, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/450743
