Title: Born global companies founded by young entrepreneurs. A multiple case study

Authors: Giusy Cannone; Alessia Pisoni; Alberto Onetti

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino TO, Italy ' Department of Economics, University of Insubria, Via Monte Generoso 71, 21100 Varese VA, Italy ' Department of Economics, University of Insubria, Via Monte Generoso 71, 21100 Varese VA, Italy

Abstract: Based on a multiple case study research, the paper aims at providing some first evidence on the phenomenon of 'born global' companies (BGCs), i.e., companies that internationalise their activities from inception or shortly thereafter, founded by young entrepreneurs, by analysing those age-related factors that facilitate or hinder young entrepreneurs to start a BGC. An in-depth qualitative analysis has been performed based on eight BGCs founded by Italian young entrepreneurs. Results highlight that young entrepreneurs, being more financially constrained than old entrepreneurs, tend to move towards countries where those resources are more easily and widely available. Moreover, we found that young entrepreneurs seem to invest heavily on their social capital to countervail the young age effect. Finally, results suggest that - for young entrepreneurs - prior experience abroad has amplified relevance in the internationalisation process of a company.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; startups; born globals; internationalisation; young entrepreneurs; case study; high tech firms; high technology; innovation; Italy; social capital.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2014.062875

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2014 Vol.18 No.2/3, pp.210 - 232

Accepted: 17 Jan 2014
Published online: 18 Jul 2014 *

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