How founder characteristics imprint ventures’ internationalization processes: The role of international experience and cognitive beliefs

Abstract

While ample research has demonstrated that venture founders’ international experience affects their decision to internationalize, it is unclear how this experience affects the actual internationalization process of ventures that move abroad. We use a multiple case study approach to collect data on founders’ international experiences and cognitive beliefs about internationalization, the strategic decisions taken with respect to the internationalization process of their venture, and the relationship between them. We identify four types of international entrepreneurs that differ with respect to their international experiences and beliefs, and show how these differences affect the strategic decisions taken in the actual internationalization process.