Digital Startups Survivor and Scalability: Identifying Variables for Accelerated Growth

Abstract

Scalability is the process of rapidly expanding a startup's number of customers and profitability. There are, however, only a few studies on this process, despite the large number of startups, their relevance to the economy and, on the other hand, the low survival rate in this segment. The objective of this study is to develop a conceptual framework that identifies possible variables that contribute to the scalability process in startups. To address this objective, a systematic literature review and subsequent identification of relevant categories were conducted. Consequently, six categories were identified, and the relationships among them constituted a conceptual framework. This framework shows that the existence of a scalable business model, managed with resource orchestration and data-driven decision-making integrated into a monitored business environment, can lead to accelerated growth or scalability. Thus, the startup can reach the development stage required to receive investments considered essential for scaling or its accelerated growth.