Corporate Accelerator Programs. Supporting Startup Success by Fostering Entrepreneurial Networking

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

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

Research Objectives & Key Themes

This thesis aims to understand the role of corporate accelerator programs in fostering entrepreneurial networking for early-stage startups. By exploring the intentions of participating ventures and the mechanisms provided by these programs, the research examines how accelerators bridge the gap between startups and corporate environments to facilitate valuable new ties.

• Intentions of startups to engage in networking within corporate accelerators.
• Mechanisms such as pitch events, expert mentoring, referrals, and physical proximity.
• The impact of accelerator programs on network efficiency and startup legitimacy.
• Differences between "innovation vehicle" and "investment vehicle" program types.
• Moderating effects of startup venture stages on networking outcomes.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the rise of corporate accelerator programs as a bridge for startup-corporate engagement and sets the research questions regarding their role in entrepreneurial networking.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines the challenges faced by startups, the theoretical foundations of network theory, and how prior research has addressed entrepreneurial networking.

3. METHODOLOGY: Details the inductive, multiple case study design used to analyze six startup graduates from German corporate accelerator programs.

4. RESEARCH FINDINGS: Presents empirical results on networking intentions, the four key mechanisms utilized, and the observed impacts on startup networking activities.

5. DISCUSSION: Synthesizes the findings into a conceptual model and derives theoretical and managerial implications regarding the moderators of venture stage and accelerator type.

6. CONCLUSION: Summarizes the study’s contributions, acknowledges limitations, and provides directions for future longitudinal research on corporate accelerators.

Keywords

entrepreneurship, corporate accelerator programs, networks, entrepreneurial networking, corporate innovation, startup success, innovation vehicle, investment vehicle, tie formation, mentoring, pitch events, referrals, social proof, legitimacy, business support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The research investigates how corporate accelerator programs support early-stage startups in building valuable business networks, specifically exploring the intentions behind networking and the mechanisms used within these programs.

What are the primary themes discussed in the thesis?

Key themes include the networking strategies of startups, the role of accelerator programs as network brokers, the impact of these programs on startup legitimacy, and the moderating influence of program types and startup maturity.

What is the primary objective of this study?

The main objective is to provide empirical insights into why startups network within corporate accelerators, how they execute these activities, and the specific impact these programs have on their network development.

Which scientific methodology was applied?

The study utilized an inductive, multiple case study design, conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with startup founders and corporate accelerator representatives in Germany.

What does the main body cover?

The main body covers a comprehensive literature review, the methodological framework, the detailed presentation of research findings regarding networking intentions and mechanisms, and a discussion of the resulting conceptual model.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

The work is characterized by terms such as corporate accelerator programs, entrepreneurial networking, innovation vehicle, investment vehicle, social proof, and business network reach.

How do "innovation vehicle" and "investment vehicle" programs differ in their networking focus?

Innovation vehicle programs prioritize bridging startups to the incumbent firm for collaborative projects, while investment vehicle programs focus on connecting startups to a diverse set of external investors and partners to drive growth.

What is the "bridging" function of corporate accelerators?

It refers to the accelerator's role as an intermediary that connects startups with valuable, hard-to-access actors, such as large corporate executives or selective investors, who would otherwise be out of reach for early-stage ventures.

How does physical proximity influence networking in these programs?

Physical proximity within co-working spaces fosters a close-knit community among startups, enabling spontaneous knowledge sharing, peer-to-peer support, and incidental networking opportunities with visitors.

Why is "social proof" significant for startups in this context?

Affiliation with an established, well-known incumbent firm acts as a signal of quality and credibility, which helps startups overcome initial liabilities of newness and trust barriers when approaching other potential business partners or investors.