Attributes of technology-based start-up founders

Abstract This research investigates the expression of founder attributes within technology-based start-ups (TBS) in relation to diverse organizational characteristics, including age, size, and industry classification. Through an examination of the alignment between these attributes and the four fund...

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Main Authors: Hong Ran, Cecilia Mercado
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2025-07-01
Series:Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-025-00540-6
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author Hong Ran
Cecilia Mercado
author_facet Hong Ran
Cecilia Mercado
author_sort Hong Ran
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This research investigates the expression of founder attributes within technology-based start-ups (TBS) in relation to diverse organizational characteristics, including age, size, and industry classification. Through an examination of the alignment between these attributes and the four fundamental dimensions of the founder's attribute framework, this study aims to evaluate the influence of firm age, firm size, and type of industry on the entrepreneurial characteristics of founders. This study explored the entrepreneurial traits of technology-focused start-ups in Chongqing, China, using a quantitative approach. The research involved surveying 240 founders or co-founders of start-ups that had been in operation for 1–20 years, ensuring statistical reliability through Cochran's formula. The data were rigorously analyzed with descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to explore the relationships between various entrepreneurial attributes. The findings reveal that while attributes such as customer orientation and feedback mechanisms consistently emerge as significant, traits like childlike curiosity and founder drive demonstrate lower levels of expression. Moreover, it was determined that firm age, firm size, and industry type exert minimal influence on the manifestation of these attributes, indicating that founder characteristics, including resilience, intellectual adaptability, and problem-solving abilities, are more pivotal to the success of TBS than external determinants. The results underscore the necessity of nurturing particular attributes, such as curiosity and drive, to promote sustained innovation and adaptability, irrespective of the firm's developmental stage or sectoral context. In light of these findings, it is advised that TBS founders participate in developmental initiatives aimed at enhancing these vital qualities, thereby ensuring that their enterprises remain competitive and responsive to the demands of the marketplace.
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spelling doaj-art-5d44b606077a456d8063eb0d6fff18362025-08-20T03:04:17ZengSpringerOpenJournal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship2192-53722025-07-0114111710.1186/s13731-025-00540-6Attributes of technology-based start-up foundersHong Ran0Cecilia Mercado1Chongqing Industry Polytechnic CollegeSaint Louis UniversityAbstract This research investigates the expression of founder attributes within technology-based start-ups (TBS) in relation to diverse organizational characteristics, including age, size, and industry classification. Through an examination of the alignment between these attributes and the four fundamental dimensions of the founder's attribute framework, this study aims to evaluate the influence of firm age, firm size, and type of industry on the entrepreneurial characteristics of founders. This study explored the entrepreneurial traits of technology-focused start-ups in Chongqing, China, using a quantitative approach. The research involved surveying 240 founders or co-founders of start-ups that had been in operation for 1–20 years, ensuring statistical reliability through Cochran's formula. The data were rigorously analyzed with descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to explore the relationships between various entrepreneurial attributes. The findings reveal that while attributes such as customer orientation and feedback mechanisms consistently emerge as significant, traits like childlike curiosity and founder drive demonstrate lower levels of expression. Moreover, it was determined that firm age, firm size, and industry type exert minimal influence on the manifestation of these attributes, indicating that founder characteristics, including resilience, intellectual adaptability, and problem-solving abilities, are more pivotal to the success of TBS than external determinants. The results underscore the necessity of nurturing particular attributes, such as curiosity and drive, to promote sustained innovation and adaptability, irrespective of the firm's developmental stage or sectoral context. In light of these findings, it is advised that TBS founders participate in developmental initiatives aimed at enhancing these vital qualities, thereby ensuring that their enterprises remain competitive and responsive to the demands of the marketplace.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-025-00540-6Technology-based start-upFirm ageFirm typeType of industryTBS
spellingShingle Hong Ran
Cecilia Mercado
Attributes of technology-based start-up founders
Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Technology-based start-up
Firm age
Firm type
Type of industry
TBS
title Attributes of technology-based start-up founders
title_full Attributes of technology-based start-up founders
title_fullStr Attributes of technology-based start-up founders
title_full_unstemmed Attributes of technology-based start-up founders
title_short Attributes of technology-based start-up founders
title_sort attributes of technology based start up founders
topic Technology-based start-up
Firm age
Firm type
Type of industry
TBS
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-025-00540-6
work_keys_str_mv AT hongran attributesoftechnologybasedstartupfounders
AT ceciliamercado attributesoftechnologybasedstartupfounders