Initial configurations and business models in new technology-based firms

Authors

  • Hanna Rydehell Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Technology Management and Economics
  • Anders Isaksson Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Technology Management and Economics

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5278/ojs.jbm.v4i1.1241

Keywords:

business model, initial configurations, new technology-based firms, founder perceptions

Abstract

Purpose:  The purpose of the paper is to analyse founders’ perceptions of initial configurations and business models in new technology-based firms (NTBFs).

Design: Case studies were performed using semi-structured interviews and interactive techniques involving open questions and activity cards to capture perceptions of activities that form the firms’ business models.

Findings: The Business Model template, commonly referred to as the Business Model Canvas, is frequently used among these companies and seemed to have shaped the business model discourse in our case companies. Our findings also indicate that founders of NTBFs perceive their customer value proposition as the most valuable element of their business model. We also recognized signs of the influence of financial partners on the founders’ perceptions of the initial business models. Furthermore, findings show that some NTBFs create parallel business models within their firms to ensure survival in the start-up phase.

Originality/value: The paper adds value to business model research by describing how NTBFs’ structure their initial business activities and the elements of their initial business models perceived to be as more crucial during the early years as well as how these perceptions change.

Author Biographies

Hanna Rydehell, Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Technology Management and Economics

Hanna Rydehell is a PhD student at the department of Technology Management and Economics at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. Hanna holds a Master’s degree in Design and Product Development, and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management – both from Linköping University. Her research is now focused on business models in technology-based start-ups.

Anders Isaksson, Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Technology Management and Economics

Anders Isaksson is a senior lecturer at Chalmers University of Technology. His research is mainly focusing on small business finance, with a special emphasis on the venture capital process and the relationship between venture capital firms and entrepreneurs. He also has a professional experience in the area as a special advisor on venture capital issues for the Swedish Ministry of Industry. Other areas of research has been firm growth, initial public offerings, corporate governance and ex-dividend stock price behaviour. Anders’s previous work has been published in Venture capital, International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, Asian Journal of Finance & Accounting, Australasian Accounting Business and Finance Journal among others.

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Published

15-07-2019