Early internationalising firms: the age effect on entrepreneurial behaviour

The article analyses the age related drivers, which influence young entrepreneurs' behaviour in early internationalising firms in two countries: Lithuania and Italy. Based on a multiple case studies approach, the study provides important insights into the young entrepreneurship stream of research by examining the phenomenon of born global under the lenses of entrepreneur's age. Lots of similarities emerge between young entrepreneurs in early internationalising firms from Lithuania and Italy. Findings suggest that almost all entrepreneurs tend to improve the visibility of the company by participating in national and international start-up contests. These are to be considered, along with the development of young entrepreneurs' professional bridging networks, as key drivers for acquiring capital and necessary connections for company's early internationalisation.