Objectives of the Research

This study was part of the “Born Global Growth and Survival” joint project by Aalto University School of Economics and University of Vaasa. Based on a literature review and an empirical research, the growth phases of Born Global firms and factors that influence the growth and survival of these firms are introduced. This particular thesis contributes by focusing specifically on the Born Global firms in the software business. The literature review covers such topics as international business, management, growth, cycles, and internationalization. Software business in general and particularly in Finland is additionally discussed.

Method of Research

The empirical research of this thesis is based on a multiple case study of four Finnish software firms, three Born Globals and one Born International. A central tool used is the preliminary conceptual framework that was devised based on the extensive literature review.

Findings and Conclusions

Research findings suggest that commercial and global breakthrough of Born Global software firms is positively related to the industry growth rate, industry globalization drivers, the amount of firm resources and managerial experience, the existence of substantive, dynamic, and networking capabilities, high-levels of entrepreneurial orientation, compatibility with dominant players in the market, lock-in effects, appropriate software business models and growth strategies, existence of luck, internationalization and localization capabilities, and creativity. The maturity and global rationalization in turn is found to be positively related to increased global seller concentration, existence of networking capabilities, low level of entrepreneurial orientation and industry growth rate, and having appropriate software development processes in place. Finally, survival of these firms were found to be positively related to the industry growth rate, the amount of resources and managerial experience, the existence of substantive, dynamic, and networking capabilities, low level of entrepreneurial orientation, luck, capability to focus, and lower levels of growth aspirations.