Title: Portfolio entrepreneurial processes in the context of individual ventures: exploratory findings from high technology industry

Authors: Yu Sang Chang; Hyun Bae Cha; Jong Beom Moon

Addresses: KDI School of Public Policy and Management, Gachon University, 85 HoegiroDongdaemun, Seoul, 130-860, South Korea ' JC HYUN Systems, Inc., JC HYUN Building 6-1, Shinkye-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea ' Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 143-701, South Korea

Abstract: Ever since MacMillan's (1986) call to study habitual entrepreneurs, much has been learned about the differences between novice and habitual entrepreneurs as well as the differences between serial and portfolio entrepreneurs. This study attempts to go beyond the traditional analysis of portfolio entrepreneurs based on either firm or entrepreneur level. We try to open the black box of individual ventures launched by portfolio entrepreneurs so as to provide a street-level view of what is really happening at individual ventures. Since what, how, and why entrepreneurs do may vary significantly by individual type of ventures they launch, findings from our study, at the micro level of individual venture, should contribute toward better understanding of portfolio entrepreneurial processes. In view of a very limited amount of past research done at the micro level of individual ventures, however, we rely on in-depth interviews with four successful entrepreneurs from high technology industry in Korea to generate findings and insights.

Keywords: portfolio entrepreneurs; habitual entrepreneurs; exploration; exploitation; terminated ventures; surviving ventures; organisation modes; entrepreneurial motivation; high technology; high tech industry; entrepreneurship; South Korea.

DOI: 10.1504/JIBED.2015.072929

Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 2015 Vol.8 No.4, pp.301 - 329

Received: 17 Jan 2014
Accepted: 17 Jul 2014
Published online: 08 Nov 2015 *

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