Into the light: a grounded model for supporting the growth and learning of early phase entrepreneurs

This thesis offers a new model of early phase entrepreneurial development which places the central emphasis on the learning and development of the founder and the consequences for the team dynamics amongst the co-founders; in contrast to conventional approaches that stress the correct application of methods or techniques derived from financial or management theory. The research was conducted through the application of grounded theory method and other supporting mixed qualitative and quantitative methods. The research draws upon my own direct coaching and mentoring work with different samples of early phase entrepreneurs. One outcome from the research is a new psychometric instrument that is now in use at fifteen universities in the UK and several technology accelerators in the UK and Hong Kong. The instrument identifies and differentiates between three distinct elements derived from motivational theory: Mindset, relational preferences and work style. My research suggests that it is these aspects have a determining influence on the way the entrepreneur conceived and develops their venture. The research was conducted by making transcriptions of recorded mentoring and coaching sessions. I created a database of codes and categories and then developed a model based on this data. Built into the project was a strong emphasis on the development and testing of the model with users. My thesis shows that entrepreneurs do not follow a single course or method, but adapt between different profiles depending on and their own mindset and how they decide to evolve their venture. This thesis highlights the need for entrepreneurs to develop the necessary agility to develop the necessary skills and behaviors or work effectively in collaboration with others. This lays the basis for a learning approach that is quite different from the classical linear “life cycle model” prevalent in the Silicon Valley model. This research contributes to the rapidly developing eco-system of microbusinesses and provides a set of practical learning tools for early phase entrepreneurs.