The impact of post involvement of Business Angels on the commercial performance of start up businesses

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

1.2 Research Problem

1.3 Aims of the Research

1.4 Research Questions

1.5 Research Objectives

1.6 Hypotheses

1.7 Scope of the Research

1.8 Importance of the Research

1.9 Research Methodology

1.10 Structure of the Dissertation

1.11 Chapter Summary

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Business Angels and SMEs

2.2 Business angels Benefits to Investee Companies

2.2.1 Helping to Overcome Funding Difficulties

2.2.2 Involvement

2.2.3 Provision of Contacts

2.2.4 Facilitation of Further Funding

2.3 Evaluation of Past Methodologies on Post-Involvement of Business Angels

2.4 Value Added Contributions by Business Angels

2.5 Supervision and Monitoring Role

2.6 Resource Acquisition Role

2.7 Mentoring Role

2.8 Business Angels as Facilitators for Further Finance

2.9 Conceptual Framework

2.10 Summary

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Overview of the Research

3.2.1 Research objectives

3.2.2 Hypotheses

3.3.3 Research Approach

3.3 Research Philosophy

3.4 Research Design

3.5 Research Strategies

3.6 Research Time Horizon

3.7 Sample Population

3.8 Research Instrument and Data Collection Method

3.9 The Quantitative and Quantitative Aspects

3.10 Data Analysis and Interpretation Method

3.11 Limitations of the Study

3.12 Validity and Reliability

3.13 Ethical Considerations

3.14 Summary

CHAPTER 4: DATA RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Quantitative Data

4.2.1 Questionnaire Analysis

4.2.2.1 T-Tests

4.2.2.2 Correlations

4.3 Qualitative Data: Interview Analysis

4.4 Discussion: Linked with Research Objectives

4.4.1 BAs Post Involvement and Financial Stability

4.4.2 BAs Post-Investment Involvement and Investment Sustainability

4.4.3 BAs Enhance Business Partnerships

4.4.4 BAs Involvement and Successful Management and Leadership

4.5 Summary

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Overview of the Study

5.4 Major Findings of the Study

5.5 Recommendations

5.6 Reflection

5.7 Future Research

Research Objectives and Themes

This study aims to investigate the impact of post-investment involvement by Business Angels on the commercial performance of UK-based start-ups. It seeks to determine if their involvement enhances financial stability, leadership, and business partnerships, while also evaluating the nature of the support provided to these SMEs.

• Contribution of Business Angels to SME management and leadership.
• Role of Business Angels in financial support and investment sustainability.
• Enhancement of business partnerships through Business Angel networks.
• Exploration of the specific types and functions of post-investment involvement.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: Outlines the background, research problems, aims, and objectives regarding the impact of Business Angels on small enterprise performance in the UK.

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW: Analyzes the roles of Business Angels, their value-added contributions, and existing theoretical frameworks concerning their post-investment involvement.

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY: Details the mixed-methods research design, including the use of surveys and interviews to gather data on the research hypotheses.

CHAPTER 4: DATA RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION: Presents findings from quantitative questionnaire data and qualitative interview analysis regarding the effectiveness of Business Angel involvement.

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Synthesizes the research findings, concludes on the impact of Business Angels on firm performance, and provides practical recommendations for SMEs.

Keywords

Business Angels, SMEs, Post-investment involvement, Commercial performance, Financial stability, Investment sustainability, Venture capital, Start-up business, Mentoring, Resource acquisition, Strategic management, UK enterprises, Informal venture capital, Business partnership, Entrepreneurship

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this dissertation?

The dissertation examines the impact of the post-investment involvement of Business Angels on the commercial performance, growth, and sustainability of start-up businesses in the United Kingdom.

What are the primary themes explored in the research?

Key themes include the role of Business Angels in providing financial backing, strategic guidance, managerial expertise, networking contacts, and mentoring support to SME investees.

What is the main research objective of this work?

The primary objective is to assess how Business Angels contribute to management, leadership, and investment sustainability, and to determine if their involvement is a significant factor in overcoming the performance challenges faced by start-ups.

Which research methodology was employed?

The study utilizes a mixed-methods research design, incorporating both quantitative surveys (questionnaires) and qualitative data (semi-structured interviews) to provide a comprehensive analysis.

What topics are covered in the main body of the work?

The main sections cover the literature review on Business Angel roles, the methodology for data collection, the statistical and qualitative analysis of findings, and a discussion linking these findings to the research objectives.

Which keywords define this study?

The study is characterized by terms such as Business Angels, SME performance, post-investment involvement, financial stability, and strategic management.

How does the study define the "leveraging effect" of Business Angels?

The study describes the "leveraging effect" as the capacity of Business Angels to generate confidence in a venture, thereby expanding its credibility and increasing its possibilities for securing further financing from banks or other sources.

What distinction does the author make between "active" and "passive" Business Angels?

The author identifies "passive" involvement as primarily limited to providing financial capital, whereas "active" involvement includes non-financial support such as management participation, providing expertise, and monitoring venture performance.

How do the findings characterize the impact of Business Angels during the global financial crisis?

Interviewed managers noted that Business Angels provided critical support during the financial crisis by injecting capital, offering strategic guidance, and helping companies maintain market positioning when traditional banks were reluctant to lend.