Martin Stockhaus, Entrepreneurship and Strategy

This thesis challenges the prevailing norm that equates entrepreneurial careers solely with firm founding. Traditionally, entrepreneurship research has emphasized startup creation as the hallmark of entrepreneurial activity, resulting in a binary categorization of individuals as either "entrepreneurs" or "non-entrepreneurs." This narrow perspective overlooks the diversity of career paths where entrepreneurial competencies are applied. Through a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with Venture Creation Program graduates, this thesis expands the understanding of entrepreneurial careers by positioning entrepreneurial competencies as central to career development.

Key findings reveal that entrepreneurial competencies are not confined to firm founding but are extensively utilized across various organizational contexts, including intrapreneurship, hybrid careers, and other roles outside the traditional entrepreneur label. The thesis identifies four entrepreneurial career archetypes: firm-builder, intrapreneur, surrogate, and nomad. These archetypes demonstrate that entrepreneurial careers are sustained through the continuous utilization of entrepreneurial competencies, rather than being defined by the singular event of founding a firm.

By reframing entrepreneurial careers to focus on competencies rather than firm founding, this thesis challenges conventional measures entrepreneurial competencies used in entrepreneurship research. It advocates for a broader, more inclusive definition of entrepreneurial careers that acknowledges the various ways individuals create value across their professional lives. This research contributes to a more nuanced and accurate understanding of entrepreneurial careers, offering valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers by highlighting the broader outcomes of VCPs beyond startup creation.