Accelerating start-ups' internationalisation through networks: a comparative study

With the global expansion of start-ups, seed accelerator programs have been gaining focus, and acting as a resource for the development and internationalisation of these companies. Concurrently, networks have been used as a tool, due to the benefits they bring along with the connections developed. This qualitative research seeks to understand the functionality of business networking for the internationalisation of start-ups, analysing how accelerators influence and manage this asset. For that, we have done a comparative analysis based on the perceptions of six business accelerators located in six different countries: Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Israel and Malaysia. The findings suggest that networks play an ultimate role in terms of acceleration of start-ups' internationalisation. It reduces uncertainties, fosters innovation, and eases access to partners and investors. Accelerators use institutional and business partnerships, as well as seminars and workshops to foster networks; they also reduce risks when entering new markets.