Characteristics of the digital entrepreneur: a multicase study in startups

Abstract

Objective of the study: Investigate what are the individual characteristics of the digital entrepreneur in startups. Methodology/approach: a multiple case study was carried out with five startups incubated in a digital hub, using participatory observation, transcription of public information and semi-structured interviews with the leading entrepreneurs of each company as sources of evidence. The interviews were coded and analyzed based on the content analysis technique. Originality/Relevance: Given the upward movement of digital entrepreneurship, which needs to be seen as an entirely new field of research due to the unique characteristics of the Internet, a prominent theme that needs to be investigated is the relationship between entrepreneurship and the adoption of digital platforms for creating startups in validation processes. Main results: It was found that the main characteristics of digital entrepreneurs are related to gender, age, academic background, professional experience, and personal knowledge and skills in the chosen sector, pointing out that they can, at least so far, facilitate the success of the digital platform. Theoretical/methodological contributions: We sought to evolve with the literature on digital entrepreneurship in the context of startups. Social contributions/management: It is hoped that this investigation can help future digital entrepreneurs to know the necessary characteristics for this new business model.