Lean Startup and Theories of New Venture Creation

TRSM-Entrepreneurship and Strategy research seminar

Abstract: Lean startup is a popular perspective on new venture creation. Though widely used in teaching, it has not been  subjected to a systematic and large-scale empirical study. In this presentation, I will share key lessons learned from a special issue (of Journal of Management, 2024) I co-edited on the topic. I will discuss findings from different papers particularly related to: the current state of research, lean’s connection to other perspectives on new venture creation, the use of lean in non-traditional research settings, lean compass, and theory advancement in entrepreneurship. I will also outline key research issues worthy of attention in future scholarship.

Bio: Shaker Zahra is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Robert E. Buuck Chair at Carlson School of  Management, University of Minnesota. His research studies entrepreneurship and new firm strategy in global technology and science industries, technology strategy by new firms vs. incumbents, role of digital technology, and emergence of new organizational forms in ecosystems. Widely published in leading academic journals, Zahra is among the most highly cited in field management. He is a Fellow in the Academy of Management, Academy of International Business, a Research Fellow in the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers, and several other organizations. He received the Academy of  Management Entrepreneurship Division ‘s award in recognition of his “creative and impactful contributions to  entrepreneurship research.” His teaching has also received “best teacher of the year” in the MBA and the Mentor Award from the Entrepreneurship Division of Academy of Management for his work with doctoral students. At the University of Minnesota, Professor Zahra served as department chair, academic director of the Holmes Entrepreneurship Center, and co-founding director of the university-wide Center for Integrative Leadership. He served on multiple editorial boards in different capacities. His service and outreach contributions have received several awards. He has held several chaired visiting international positions.