Bridging the Gap – Requirements and Success Strategies in Digital Start-Ups

Abstract

This paper compares the needs expressed by digital start-up founders to the factors that contribute to start-up success. Drawing on ten qualitative interviews with founders, it identifies key needs in the following five dimensions: (1) building blocks for growth, (2) entrepreneurial identity and agency, (3) start-up enablement through institutional interfaces, (4) start-up enablement through interpersonal interfaces, and (5) start-up finance and capital access. These needs are compared with success factors identified in prior research. The results show that many founder needs, such as modular learning options, early customer feedback, and financial stability, correspond to success factors. However, other needs, especially those relating to personal identity and emotional strain, are not reflected by success factors. Additionally, some important success strategies-such as innovation strategy, risk planning, and the use of digital technologies-are rarely mentioned by founders. The paper calls for improved support structures that both respond to founder needs and encourage awareness of underrecognized success factors.