Not all digital venture ideas are created equal: Implications for venture creation processes

Abstract

Digital ventures are formed around ideas that have digital artifacts at their core. We develop theory that explains how the composition of digital artifacts influences venture creation processes. First, we develop propositions that link differences in the embodiment and coupling of digital artifact components to tensions in venture creation process inputs, behaviors, and outputs. Second, we link compositional differences in digital artifacts to differences in venture creation process initiation, duration, and outcome. Our theorizing establishes a foundation for future research on digital artifacts within and beyond entrepreneurship contexts, and for future research on entrepreneurship within and beyond digital artifact contexts.