The internationalization of small venture backed high-tech firms

Abstract

Objectives

The main objectives of this study were to understand the relationship dynamics an Entrepreneur and a Venture Capitalist may face and how that impacts the internationalization process. This objective was achieved through the analyses of established internationalization models and theories, and by dissecting the relationship dynamics between the Entrepreneurs and the Venture Capitalists backing them.

Summary

This thesis examines the internationalization process of small venture backed high-tech firms through the use of internationalization models. This thesis also studies the impact the Venture Capitalist and Entrepreneur relationship has on the internationalization process.

Conclusions

The Venture Capitalists influence over the firms’ internationalization process varies from firm to firm. Both the Venture Capitalist and the Entrepreneur can bring insight, experience, and networks to the internationalization strategy, however the weight of these inputs depends on the relationship between the two parties. Internationalization models provide an academic view of the internationalization process; nevertheless, it is up to the Entrepreneur (and the Venture Capitalist) to assemble their final internationalization strategy.