The role of Relational Capital in innovative female start-ups

Women-led enterprises are characterized by structural and collateral limits that undermine access to credit, which is crucial for implementing technological innovation. Nevertheless, gender studies recognize a high female attitude to networking, representing a prolific source of new ideas. In this scenario, the present work aims to investigate (i) the role of Relational Capital (RC) in the innovation's creating process of innovative female start-ups and (ii) analyze the bond-type characterizing it. With this purpose, the present work uses an Exploratory Descriptive Qualitative methodology and applies the CAOS model (an Italian acronym for “Caratteristiche personali, Ambiente, Organizzazione, and Start-ups”) on a selected case study. Findings confirm the RC's vital contribution to the women-led enterprises' development, also as a driver of innovation and show the characteristics typical of the bonds involved. In the current literature, there is a gap about women role as drivers of new solutions; hence, the research can improve gender studies about innovation, particularly regarding women's start-ups. Furthermore, from a managerial point of view, it can help female SMEs identify which types of bonds can be strategically crucial for implementing innovative solutions.