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When do serial entrepreneurs found innovative ventures? Evidence from patent data

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  • Amrita Lahiri

    (Washington State University)

  • Anu Wadhwa

    (Imperial College Business School, Imperial College)

Abstract

Experienced entrepreneurs are typically considered to be wellsprings of both wealth creation and innovation. However, given that prior research has provided evidence of an inverse relationship between economic performance and innovation performance, innovation performance of experienced entrepreneurs requires greater scrutiny. In this study, we examine the question: under what conditions do serial entrepreneurs produce impactful innovations in their subsequent ventures? Using data on 334 VC-funded companies, our study suggests that the familiarity garnered by founders through their prior industry experience may limit the venture’s propensity to produce impactful innovation. Our findings contribute to the literature on serial entrepreneurship and innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Amrita Lahiri & Anu Wadhwa, 2021. "When do serial entrepreneurs found innovative ventures? Evidence from patent data," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 57(4), pages 1973-1993, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:57:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s11187-020-00390-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-020-00390-4
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