Internationalization Process of Software Start-Ups

Master’s Thesis from the year 2017 in the subject Business economics - Company formation, Business Plans, grade: 1,5, Berlin School of Economics and Law (Berlin Professional School), course: MBA Master Thesis, language: English, abstract: This thesis examines how a software start-up can effectively shape its internationalization process to secure its market position and to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. To formulate possible recommendations, a literature study and a descriptive case study are carried out. The literature review considers the research domains of born globals, or rather, international new ventures, which describe the emergence of young, small and fast internationalized organizations. Furthermore, the literature study also reflects relevant theoretical explanations and frameworks such as: resource-based theory, knowledge-based view, dynamic capabilities, organizational learning, innovation theory, and international entrepreneurship. On this theoretical basis, study propositions are derived, which are then tested against the case study. The study consists of two cases and describes the internationalization process of two software start-ups. The results of the case study are then compared with the study propositions. Deviations are discussed in detail later. Finally, 24 recommendations are made which can support the effective internationalization process of a software start-up.