Corporate Accelerator Programs. Supporting Startup Success by Fostering Entrepreneurial Networking

Master's Thesis , 2017 , 57 Pages , Grade: 1.0

Business economics - Company formation, Business Plans

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES

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

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

7. REFERENCES

8. APPENDICES
Appendix A: Overview of Corporate Accelerator Programs
Appendix B: Startup Interview Guide
Appendix C: Corporate Interview Guide
Appendix D: Overview of Conducted Case Interviews

• College: Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics
• Grade: 1.0
• Author: Vanessa Ostertag (Author)
• Publication Year: 2017
• Pages: 57
• Catalog Number: V450743
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668838468
• ISBN (Book): 9783668838475
• Language: English
• Tags: Accelerator, Corporate Accelerator, startup, entrepreneurship, innovation, entrepreneurial networking, networking, corporate innovation, Acceleratorprogramm, netzwerke, acceleratoren, case study, qualitative forschung, interviews, exploratory study, explorative Studie, ventures