Digital international new ventures targeting developing countries: the role of networks during the start-up process

Over the last years, an increasing number of new ventures centered on digital platforms have emerged and expanded internationally. Despite the increasing relevance of digital technologies in the business context, less is known about the network relationships established by a digital international new venture (INV) with external parties, particularly when entering developing countries. Based on a longitudinal single case study of a digital INV targeting developing countries, this paper explores the role of networks during the INV’s stand-up, start-up, and scale-up phases. The study illuminates the evolution of the portfolio of network relationships in terms of the actors involved, the levels at which the actors operate, and the types of support they provide. It also derives a set of propositions that can guide further studies on this topic.