The Impact of Venture Capital Investment on the Strategic Decisions and Operations of Social Startups

Marianna Sargsyan

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The following paper studies the impact that venture capital investment has on social startups' strategic decisions and operations. To answer the research questions, six areas of a growing startup are identified and discussed: strategy and managerial processes, hiring, finances, innovation, leadership, and scaling. Qualitative semi-structured interviews are conducted with 10 founders and CEOs, who provide their perspectives on the research topic. The paper applies coding and categorizing to derive the results by visualizing the outcomes. The findings show that the impact investment influences the performance of startups along with the identified six areas, which can be evident across a time frame. The research also finds more positive aspects of investments and that social startups can develop lasting relationships with their investors. The paper concludes with four propositions and suggestions for future research.

Abstract:

The following paper studies the impact that venture capital investment has on social startups' strategic decisions and operations. To answer the research questions, six areas of a growing startup are identified and discussed: strategy and managerial processes, hiring, finances, innovation, leadership, and scaling. Qualitative semi-structured interviews are conducted with 10 founders and CEOs, who provide their perspectives on the research topic. The paper applies coding and categorizing to derive the results by visualizing the outcomes. The findings show that the impact investment influences the performance of startups along the identified six areas, which can be evident across a time frame. The research also finds more positive aspects of investments and that social startups can develop lasting relationships with their investors. The paper concludes with four propositions and suggestions for future research.

Keywords

impact investment, social startups, venture capital

Keywords

social startups, venture capital, impact investment

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 11. 5. 2022

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 20. 6. 2022
• Supervisor: Martin Lukeš
• Reader: Georgios Polychronopoulos

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme:
International Management