The influence of the entrepreneur and the accelerator in the internationalization process of web-based firms

The crucial role of the entrepreneur and importance of the entrepreneur’s network for entering into new markets are widely reported. Similarly, business accelerators have been a rising organizational model in the last two decades. The aim of this chapter is to identify the role of the entrepreneur and accelerator programs in the internationalization process of web-based companies through a qualitative study of nine web-based firms from different countries. This chapter argues that in the internationalization process of web-based companies, entrepreneurs are relatively young and have an international experience (from 5 to 7 years). The most essential service for web-based companies offered within an accelerator program, is mentoring along with access to networks. In order to benefit from the largest networks, web-based start-ups should join both local and foreign accelerators programs.