People and places : an exploration of Boston start-up formation
Name
718752409-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
4.7 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
88fe0dcb8d2611c8e5621cdff753dff7
Author(s)
Stalder, Carrie L
Advisor(s)
Michael A. M. Davies.
Alternative Title
Exploration of Boston start-up formation
Date Issued
2010
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Boston, specifically Kendall Square, has a high concentration of technology startups. This concentration provides the opportunity to study the connection between the founding conditions and the outcome of the entrepreneurial effort in a relatively controlled environment. Through case studies including deep research and founder interviews we explore the role of people and places in the founding of four Cambridge technology start-ups. The findings indicate maturity of ideation, team size, experience - in startups in general and in the specific sector, understanding of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, passion for the mission and ability to communicate are key factors in the success of a startup. Connectors - people and places - are best engaged to assist in completing a founding team who have a defined focus and to provide investor leads to a founding team post-ideation, but founders with the ability to make first-degree connections may be more successful than those who use connectors.
Description
Thesis (S.M. in Engineering and Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2010.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references.
Subjects
Engineering Systems Division.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division
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copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but
reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written
permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
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