Up and Coming - Challenges for high-tech firms in the start-up phase and the role of the business incubator

Abstract

Business incubators have over the years become a popular way to support entrepreneurs. This method of facilitating for entrepreneurs is also widely used in Norway. This thesis explores how business incubators support and mitigate the challenges startups and entrepreneurs face in their earlier phases of development. The thesis explores these issues through two case studies of two incubators and eight startup companies within the ICT-sector. The challenges of the startups and entrepreneurs will be viewed through the business incubator literature, and through the theory of social capital. This theoretical aspect will be the foundation of the analysis performed. The thesis argues that startups and entrepreneurs need different resources in different phases of their development. By examining the business incubators with the goal of finding out what kind of challenges the startups and entrepreneurs face, this thesis contributes to knowledge on how to facilitate for entrepreneurs and startups in Norway.