Xaver Neumeyer

Distinguishing Types of Entrepreneurial Ventures: An Identity‐Based Perspective

Progress in entrepreneurship research is inhibited by lack of agreement on what constitutes an entrepreneurial venture. We argue for an inclusive conceptualization, and the need to distinguish types of entrepreneurial ventures. A typology is proposed consisting of four venture types. Based on the unique characteristics of each type, it is argued that differences will emerge in the identities of the founder and the organization. Evidence of such differences is provided using samples of each venture type. The tendency in contemporary research to ignore differences in venture type is examined. Implications are drawn for theory development, research practice, and managerial practice.

The social organization of entrepreneurial ecosystems

This study attempts to develop our understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem as a complex social system. Using in-depth interviews, we model the entrepreneurial ecosystems of two municipalities through a diverse network of entrepreneurs, investors, institutional leaders and staff. The two ecosystems were characterized and compared on a set of measures related to the level of connectivity between actors, the existence of social boundaries, the role and position of actors with certain attributes (e.g. women, minorities) and the presence of ties in multiple social contexts (e.g. friend and investor). We found that social boundaries formed along venture type (e.g. high-growth/technology, lifestyle), type of support institution (e.g. university, government agency), gender, and ethnicity. High-growth/technology entrepreneurs, for example, were predominantly white, male and strongly connected to technology commercialization and acceleration programs. We also found that women and minorities are less embedded in the high-growth community than their male and ethnic counterparts.