Title: An explorative model of business model scalability

Authors: Georg Stampfl; Reinhard Prügl; Vincent Osterloh

Addresses: Chair for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (CITE), Friedrichshafen Institute for Innovation and Family Entrepreneurship (FIF), Zeppelin University, Am Seemooser Horn 20, 88045 Friedrichshafen, Germany ' Chair for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (CITE), Friedrichshafen Institute for Innovation and Family Entrepreneurship (FIF), Zeppelin University, Am Seemooser Horn 20, 88045 Friedrichshafen, Germany ' Chair for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (CITE), Friedrichshafen Institute for Innovation and Family Entrepreneurship (FIF), Zeppelin University, Am Seemooser Horn 20, 88045 Friedrichshafen, Germany

Abstract: There is broad consensus that a scalable business model plays a key role in new venture success. However, the factors that influence business model scalability have received little attention thus far. This paper aims to shed more light on this topic by introducing an explorative model of business model scalability. The proposed model is based on an analysis of (a) a wide body of literature, in particular including a broad range of studies from entrepreneurship, strategy and business model research and (b) data from qualitative research based on in-depth expert interviews with experienced entrepreneurs and investors. The model provides a basis for understanding the role of a scalable business model in new venture growth and identifies mechanisms for successful web-based business model innovations. This study serves as a starting point for further research on business model scalability and provides guidance for executives in assessing the potential of new business models.

Keywords: scalability; business models; business model innovation; internet; new ventures; start-ups; venture capital; growth; e-business; electronic business; entrepreneurship; strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2013.055014

International Journal of Product Development, 2013 Vol.18 No.3/4, pp.226 - 248

Received: 04 Oct 2011
Accepted: 04 Oct 2012
Published online: 30 Sep 2014 *

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