Decoding Startup Beginnings: How Founders, Resources, And Ecosystems Interact in the Stand-Up Stage

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines how entrepreneurial profiles, resources, and ecosystem support interact to shape the sustainability and growth of incubator-based stand-up stage of the startups. The fragile phase when ventures move from concept to operational reality. Drawing on the Resource-Based View (RBV), this study investigates how internal resources, and external institutional conditions jointly influence early-stage performance. By bridging micro-level entrepreneurial characteristics (skills, mindset, leadership, experience) with meso-level ecosystem supports (incubator infrastructure and services), the study reveals how individual capabilities, and contextual factors combine to determine sustainable startup trajectories.

Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative research design was applied using stratified probability sampling to ensure representation across stand-up stage ventures in incubators. Data were collected from 302 founders and co-founders via structured surveys. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression modelling were used to assess the effects of entrepreneurial, resource, and ecosystem factors.

Findings – Entrepreneurial Ability (β = 0.32, p < 0.001) found a strongest predictor of stand-up stage performance, followed by Entrepreneurial Philosophy (β = 0.18, p < 0.01) and Basic Infrastructure (β = 0.15, p < 0.01). Entrepreneurial Leadership, Human Resources, and Training & Capacity Building also showed positive and significant associations (p < 0.05). Other factors, including Entrepreneurial Experience, Financial Resources, Knowledge Support Systems, Funding & Investment Opportunities, and Business Development Services, had positive but non-significant effects.

Research limitations/implications – The study extends RBV by demonstrating how micro and meso interactions influence stand-up stage outcomes in an emerging economy. The findings are specific to incubator-based startups in Pakistan, pointing to future research on macro-level ecosystem dynamics and cross-country comparisons.

Originality/value – This research identifies the precise skills, resources, and ecosystem supports that matter most in the stand-up stage, offering both theoretical contributions and practical guidance for entrepreneurs, incubator managers, and policy makers aiming to improve early-stage startup survival.