Knowledge Management Capabilities on the Performance of Startup Companies: Evidence from Startups in Kerala

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to point out the importance of knowledge management in startup companies. For this, four knowledge management processes—knowledge acquisition, conversion, application, and protection—that may have an impact on startup companies' performance are closely examined.  Design, Methodology, and Approach: The empirical research was conducted by participating 250 startup companies that are registered in the Kerala startup mission from 2015 to 2020, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to determine the relationship between the knowledge management process and startup performance.  Findings: The study supports the resource-based view theory by stating that knowledge management is essential for newly established ventures. It has been found that both knowledge conversion and protection play significant roles in the performance of startup companies. While acquisition and application are insignificant.  Social Implication: This study has several implications, one of which is that institutions and government bodies should focus on implementing knowledge management strategies.  Research Limitation: The study has some drawbacks, including the fact that it only included 250 startup companies from Kerala and had a limited sample size. Therefore, generalizations in a global setting are challenging. Second, other intangible assets that fall beyond the scope of the study also have an impact on how well startup businesses perform.  Originality or Value: The study gives startup founders insight into how knowledge management is important at each stage of their firm's life cycle and affects their ability to raise startup funding.Paper Type: Research Paper