THE ROLE OF BUSINESS MODELS IN THE INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PATH OF STARTUPS

Despite a significant body of research focused on the variances of startup growth rate, the aspect of analysis related to how - i.e. the unique way to maximize the resource base of the startup (core activities organization) - and "where" international growth occurs has been insofar largely overlooked by scholars. Startups creation through the implementation of new innovative value propositions and business models that enable the company growth at global level need to be further investigated. Business models design and implementation appear to be of crucial importance in startups survival and growth. The present study is based on a single case-study analysis and follows an exploratory and qualitative methodology. The paper aims at analysing the business model of a new venture operating in the ICT industry that showed a fast and praecox internationalization. We thus interview the CEO/founder, who plays a crucial role in defining the international approach of the company, especially for startups. In this respect, the analysis of the business model of an innovative technology-based startup showing fast and praecox internationalization could be particularly useful in shed new light on how and where startups growth occurs. In doing so, it is also possible to investigate how company's day-by-day decisions affect business model evolution. Managerial implications, limitations and future research directions conclude the article.