Aceleradoras corporativas como fonte de apoio e financiamento de startups: um estudo de caso

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe how a corporate accelerator, associated with companies from diverse segments and established in the market, supports and finances startups, from the perspective of the proposition theme. The work of Kohler (2016), which describes the relationships between accelerators and startups called dimensions, was presented as the basis for this study, using the proposition dimension, which defines the proposals of the corporate accelerator. This is a key step for the development and future of accelerated startups. This study presented the propositions of a corporate accelerator to the startups accelerated by it, and the view of these startups regarding this model. A qualitative research was conducted with the managers of these entities, with a directed questionnaire, applied in individual interviews. In carrying out this case study, we describe how the innovation gaps are developed, which can be started by the associated companies or by the startup itself. The result of this study verified the administrative and technical investment as the only financial link between the accelerator and the startups, due to the fact that there is no company connecting them, and the possibility of using existing platforms, we also have the use of the approach in product development. It was observed a difference between the Kohler study and the finding of this case study. The conclusion is that the corporate accelerator model, in this case study, differs from the models presented so far in the researched literature, thus, a change is perceived in the aspects of the development of the relationship between the corporate accelerator and the startups. This improvement in relationships, which is mentioned by managers, is presented here as the main contribution in this study. There is a progressive change in certain elements of the business model, which can positively impact more and more the development of startups associated with a corporate accelerator and, consequently, the capacity for innovation growth. It is presented as a limitation the universe of this study, so it is suggested to replicate the methodology with more companies.