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When personality pays: observer rating of personality and financial success of equity crowdfunded startups

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  • Isaak, Andrew
  • Neuhaus, Julia
  • Bostandzic, Denefa

Abstract

This study investigates the value of third-party ratings of personality in investor pitches for predicting the investment intention and successful equity crowdfunding of U.S.-based startups. Based on 1175 ratings of 100 randomly selected investor pitch videos, we find that not only do investors’ impressions of entrepreneurs Big Five personality traits predict investment intention but that several of these also predict entrepreneurs’ actual crowdfunding success (particularly: openness, conscientiousness and extraversion). The study contributes to our knowledge of the links between (perceived) individual-level traits of the entrepreneur and their ability to finance a venture, a key challenge in the early stages of startups.

Suggested Citation

  • Isaak, Andrew & Neuhaus, Julia & Bostandzic, Denefa, 2024. "When personality pays: observer rating of personality and financial success of equity crowdfunded startups," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 26(2), pages 131-161.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:espost:329770
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • D26 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Crowd-Based Firms
    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods

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