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Developing the Entrepreneurial Paradox Mindset: The Role of Startup Accelerators and Educational Programs

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  • Michele Pinelli
  • Luca Pistilli
  • Alessio Cozzolino

Abstract

Startup founders often encounter paradoxical tensions. Yet, whether and how startup accelerators can equip founders to embrace such contradictions remains underexplored. Our study of Y Combinator reveals that accelerators can play a pivotal role in cultivating an entrepreneurial paradox mindset by exposing founders to teachings about paradoxical tensions, imparting heuristics to navigate them, and implementing thoughtful design choices to foster learning—particularly through vicarious and experiential learning opportunities. This study integrates paradox theory into entrepreneurship research, contributes to understanding the interplay between accelerator design choices and entrepreneurial learning, extends knowledge of entrepreneurial mindsets, and provides several practical insights.

Suggested Citation

  • Michele Pinelli & Luca Pistilli & Alessio Cozzolino, 2025. "Developing the Entrepreneurial Paradox Mindset: The Role of Startup Accelerators and Educational Programs," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 49(6), pages 1633-1668, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:49:y:2025:i:6:p:1633-1668
    DOI: 10.1177/10422587251347056
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