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)
- 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
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis aims to investigate how corporate accelerator programs influence entrepreneurial networking and the success of startups. It explores the mechanisms by which these programs foster networking and analyzes the implications for startups at different stages of development.
- The role of corporate accelerator programs in supporting startups.
- The importance of networking for startup success.
- Mechanisms through which corporate accelerators facilitate networking (e.g., pitch events, mentoring).
- The impact of different types of corporate accelerator programs on networking outcomes.
- The relationship between a startup's stage of development and its networking activities within an accelerator.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the thesis by outlining the rapid growth of corporate accelerator programs and their significance in supporting startups and fostering corporate innovation. It highlights the limited existing research on entrepreneurial networking within these programs, emphasizing the need for this study to explore how these programs facilitate networking and its impact on startup success.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews the existing literature on entrepreneurial ventures, the emergence of corporate accelerator programs, and the crucial role of networks for entrepreneurial success. It thoroughly examines the concept of entrepreneurial networking and lays the groundwork for understanding the theoretical context of the research. The chapter establishes a framework for analyzing the relationship between corporate accelerators and entrepreneurial networking, highlighting knowledge gaps that the thesis aims to address.
3. METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the research approach, case selection, data sources, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques employed in the study. It provides a clear explanation of the inductive, multiple case study design used to investigate six startups graduating from different corporate accelerator programs in Germany. The chapter justifies the chosen methodology and ensures the rigor and transparency of the research process.
4. RESEARCH FINDINGS: This chapter presents the findings of the study, focusing on the networking intentions of startups participating in corporate accelerator programs and the mechanisms through which these programs foster networking. It details the four key mechanisms identified: pitch events, expert mentoring, referrals, and physical proximity. The chapter also discusses the influence of different types of corporate accelerator programs ("innovation vehicles" and "investment vehicles") on these mechanisms and ultimately on networking outcomes for participating startups.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Entrepreneurship, corporate accelerator programs, networks, entrepreneurial networking, corporate innovation, startup success, networking mechanisms, case study, Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview of Thesis on Corporate Accelerator Programs and Entrepreneurial Networking
What is the main topic of this thesis?
This thesis investigates how corporate accelerator programs influence entrepreneurial networking and the success of startups. It explores the mechanisms used by these programs to foster networking and analyzes the implications for startups at various development stages.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the role of corporate accelerator programs in supporting startups, the importance of networking for startup success, the mechanisms (e.g., pitch events, mentoring) through which accelerators facilitate networking, the impact of different accelerator program types on networking, and the relationship between a startup's development stage and its networking activities within an accelerator.
What is the structure of the thesis?
The thesis is structured into four chapters: An introduction outlining the context and research gap; a literature review examining existing research on entrepreneurial ventures, corporate accelerators, and networking; a methodology chapter detailing the research approach (a multiple case study of six German startups); and a findings chapter presenting the results on networking intentions, mechanisms, and the impact of different accelerator types.
What methodology was used in this research?
The research employed an inductive, multiple case study design, focusing on six startups graduating from different corporate accelerator programs in Germany. The methodology included detailed descriptions of case selection, data sources, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques to ensure rigor and transparency.
What are the key findings of the thesis?
The findings highlight four key networking mechanisms within corporate accelerator programs: pitch events, expert mentoring, referrals, and physical proximity. The research also analyzed the influence of different types of corporate accelerator programs ("innovation vehicles" and "investment vehicles") on these mechanisms and their ultimate impact on startup networking outcomes.
What are the key words associated with this thesis?
Key words include: Entrepreneurship, corporate accelerator programs, networks, entrepreneurial networking, corporate innovation, startup success, networking mechanisms, case study, Germany.
What is included in the language preview?
This comprehensive language preview includes the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and key words of the thesis.
What is the overall goal of this research?
The overall goal is to contribute to a better understanding of how corporate accelerator programs impact entrepreneurial networking and ultimately, startup success. The research aims to identify effective networking mechanisms within these programs and explore how these mechanisms vary across different types of accelerators and startup development stages.
- 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
