Abstract
The objective of the paper is to explore the nature of the relationship between an entrepreneur and an informal investor – a non-professional private investor (a family member, or a friend) – at the early stages of business development. Although informal investments have been acknowledged to be an important source of finance for starting businesses, the process of decision-making and its context have not been addressed so far. The study attempts to explore the motivation of an entrepreneur and an informal investor, their interaction, and the impact of external environment. It is emphasized that bonding social ties would impose biases on both actors, shifting their expectations, risk awareness, and the perception of responsibilities. Moreover, when alternative sources become less available, the importance of social networks grows, thus accelerating the occurrence of the phenomenon.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research 2014 |
Publisher | Babson College |
ISBN (Print) | 0-910897-40-9 |
Publication status | Published - 4 Jun 2014 |
Event | 2014 Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference - London, Canada Duration: 4 Jun 2014 → 7 Jun 2014 |
Conference
Conference | 2014 Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference |
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Country/Territory | Canada |
City | London |
Period | 4/06/14 → 7/06/14 |