Copycats among internet-based companies: Success via imitation

Ilya Niklyaev

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This study is dedicated to providing readers with a holistic overview of the phenomenon of the imitation among internet based companies. Four research questions have been posed and answered through qualitative primary and secondary researches. As a result of this study major success factors that allowed a Berlin - based company Rocket Internet SE to imitate ideas and business models of others have been identified, numerous recommendations have been provided to future copycat companies as well as to companies that face the pressure from such copycats in their day-to-day activities. As an outcome, more transparency has been provided about the processes of imitation in the business environment in order to allow various players to compete more effectively, structure their operations in more efficient way and avoid costly mistakes.

Abstract:

This study is dedicated to providing readers with a holistic overview of the phenomenon of the imitation among internet based companies. Four research questions have been posed and answered through qualitative primary and secondary researches. As a result of this study major success factors that allowed a Berlin - based company Rocket Internet SE to imitate ideas and business models of others have been identified, numerous recommendations have been provided to future copycat companies as well as to companies that face the pressure from such copycats in their day-to-day activities. As an outcome, more transparency has been provided about the processes of imitation in the business environment in order to allow various players to compete more effectively, structure their operations in more efficient way and avoid costly mistakes.

Keywords

Imitation, Internet, Copycats, Startups, Rocket Internet

Keywords

Imitation, Internet, Copycats, Startups, Rocket Internet

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 7. 2. 2016

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 8. 9. 2016
• Supervisor: Martin Lukeš
• Reader: Jan Mareš

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Ekonomika a management / International Management