The drivers of success in technology entrepreneurship in South Africa
Date
2014-10-10
Authors
Singh, Ashendra
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Abstract
This study set out to examine the technology entrepreneurship industry in the
South African marketplace. The subject of technology entrepreneurship has
received considerable attention in recent history and this study attempts to
examine the potential drivers of success for new start-ups in the South African
context since the local market presents many unique challenges. Conceptually
the study was divided into 2 parts, the first being the factors of success outside
the direct control of the firm (extrinsic factors) and the second being the factors
of success within the control of the firm (intrinsic factors). 60-minute interviews
were conducted with respondents from the technology start-up sector in South
Africa. This data was then analysed through content analysis and the results
presented and discussed. The central conclusion of the study is that the
extrinsic factors of success are generally less important than the intrinsic factors
with the possible exception of market access, relating to the remoteness of
South Africa from the larger markets of the world. The implication of this is that
new technology enterprises need to choose their target markets very carefully in
order to be able to scale into sizeable businesses. Additionally, the composition
and capabilities of the founding team was found to be critical to the success of
new technology ventures.
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Keywords
New business enterprises , High technology industries , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa