Digital Entrepreneurs Research Articles

Investigating the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in shaping digital entrepreneurial intention: the mediating role of self-efficacy

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the growing significance of digital entrepreneurship, which remains in its early stages within entrepreneurship research, with limited understanding of its determining factors. Specifically, it seeks to address the motivations driving individuals to pursue digital entrepreneurship, the factors shaping their intentions, and the essential requirements for success as digital entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach This study introduces a model that uses challenge and enjoyment as intrinsic motivation, compensation and outward factors as extrinsic motivation and self-efficacy as theoretical elements to predict digital entrepreneurial intention. Through a comprehensive literature review, the research establishes nine hypotheses in a model tested through structural equation modeling with a survey involving 303 students from various Indonesian universities. Findings The findings underscore the essential role of self-efficacy in forecasting digital entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, self-efficacy is a significant positive mediator in the relationships between challenge motivation, compensation motivation, outward motivation and digital entrepreneurial intention. The study also indicates that enjoyment motivation does not influence self-efficacy, and self-efficacy does not exhibit significant positive mediating effects on enjoyment motivation and digital entrepreneurial intention. The conclusions highlight the significance of intrinsic motivation through challenge, extrinsic motivation through compensation and outward factors and the role of self-efficacy in motivating students to participate in digital entrepreneurship. Originality/value This study contributes significantly to the expanding field of digital entrepreneurial intention by developing a conceptual framework that elucidates the roles of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in fostering self-efficacy, thereby shaping individuals’ intentions toward digital entrepreneurship.

The Analysis Factors Influencing the Implementation of Digital Social Entrepreneurship Application in Learning Engineering Education Using Structural Equation Modelling

A big part of being an entrepreneur is keeping up with modern technological advancements. However, many factors can lead to the ambition to launch an online company. Digital social entrepreneurship methodology examines the effects of college students' entrepreneurial mindset, smartphone usage habits, and Locus of Control on their digital business intentions. This research is fundamental because it provides information to universities that they can use to evaluate their plans for a digital-based entrepreneurship learning model that will help them provide a good education. This study involved 428 respondents, and the data obtained from the respondents were examined using the application of structural equation modeling with a survey approach for this research, which looks at a small portion of the community and collects data through questionnaires. The primary data was examined using SmartPLS 4.0 software and structural equation modeling. This study found that having an entrepreneurial mindset, smartphone use, and locus of control exerts a substantial and meaningful impact on one's aspiration to become a digital entrepreneur. We wanted to find out how college students' thinking about being an entrepreneur affects their desire to become a digital entrepreneur, using smartphone usage habits and locus of control as influencing factors. To make someone who wants to become an entrepreneur, this research needs to measure Digital Entrepreneurial Intention appropriately in students who take Entrepreneurship courses.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Growth and Challenges of Digital Entrepreneurship

This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the growth and challenges in digital entrepreneurship, synthesizing key findings from influential research in the field. The analysis identifies major trends such as the integration of digital technologies in entrepreneurship education, the critical role of big data, and the transformation of innovation processes. It highlights how entrepreneurial ecosystems and financial innovations, such as microfinance and crowdfunding, have enabled broader access to resources for digital entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Emerging themes, including social entrepreneurship, gender inclusivity, and the use of digital platforms by women entrepreneurs, reveal the shifting focus toward more inclusive and socially responsible business models. The study concludes by discussing the dynamic nature of digital entrepreneurship and the importance of developing supportive ecosystems to address the ongoing challenges of digital transformation and global competition.

New Skills and Knowledge for Digital Entrepreneurs in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Digital technologies are becoming increasingly complex and integrated, leading to significant transformations in society and the economy. The article aims to explore and summarize the new opportunities and potential risks of the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) in all aspects of life, to define the new skills and necessary knowledge of digital entrepreneurs and to highlight the need for transformation in modern education. Recognizing that the relationship between technology and business is two-way and becoming stronger, revealing that well-prepared employees are a guarantee of success and prosperity of companies in various fields, we try to focus on the main groups of qualities, skills and basic knowledge of students in the age of artificial intelligence. The development of the Internet, expansion of connectivity through social networks, the advent of AI, 3D printing, and immersive technologies like Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality, require new knowledge and skills, leading to new challenges in education. Qualified personnel in this modern world must have solid professional training and systemic thinking (knowledge, skills, accumulated information), developed cognitive abilities, and personal skills based on collecting and analyzing large amounts of diverse information from heterogeneous sources. Questions arise: how can multiple information sources be combined effectively, and how can the fusion of multiple sources provide additional information to support decision-making processes? Combining information obtained from the real world makes the results heterogeneous and more informative. It follows the need to develop machine learning methods to extract relevant information from increasingly complex data sets. The goal is to improve the accuracy of the applied classification algorithms by combining predictions from multiple models, as well as obtaining a more stable final classification evaluation, effective handling of noisy data, adaptation to changing conditions, and improving stability when solving problems. On the other hand, how to ensure that the enormous potential of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, connection with the physical world, machine learning, and pervasive networks of people and machines will be fully used to improve the quality of life and contribute to the building of stable societies. Changes must be subordinated to policy and investments for reliable artificial intelligence and based on an ethical and human-centered approach. All of these should be established as a fundamental principle of training in Higher education which imposes the need for transformation in modern education.

A Digital Learning Ecosystem through Metaverse Experiences to Develop Modern Digital Entrepreneurs Competencies

This study explores the development and evaluation of a digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences aimed at enhancing the competencies of modern digital entrepreneurs. The objectives were as follows: (1) to study the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences, (2) to design and develop a digital learning ecosystem using a metaverse experience, and (3) to study the results of using the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences. The research method was divided into three phases based on these objectives. The first phase involved studying the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences. In the second phase, the digital learning ecosystem for design and development was evaluated for its effectiveness by twelve experts using a suitability assessment form. The third phase examined the outcomes of using the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences, focusing on digital entrepreneurs’ competencies and innovative thinking skills. The study included 30 participants from higher education institutions in Thailand. The findings revealed a significant improvement in learners’ digital competencies post-intervention with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.72), indicating the substantial impact of the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences. Additionally, there was a notable enhancement in innovative thinking skills as evidenced by high mean scores in creativity, problem-solving, value creation, presentation, and implementation. The experts found the digital learning ecosystem through metaverse experiences to be highly appropriate and effective.

How the digital environment moderates disruptive technology and digital entrepreneurship relationship in emerging markets

PurposeAbout 50% of innovations achieve commercial success in advanced countries. The number is much lower in emerging markets. Examining the impact of the digital environment on product success is crucial. The purpose of the study is to investigate the direct effects of disruptive technology (quality, efficiency and congruity) on digital entrepreneurship (new product development, cost-effectiveness and internationalization) and indirect moderating effects of the digital environment (data security, customer privacy and search engine optimization [SEO] algorithm) between disruptive technology and digital entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachThis is a qualitative study by design. It uses the literature review method and the theory of disruption and competitive advantage to construct the six hypotheses linking the variables – disruptive technology, digital environment and digital entrepreneurship.FindingsThe study’s conceptual model proposes that disruptive technology leads to digital entrepreneurship; however, the digital environment moderates the relationship between disruptive technology and digital entrepreneurship in emerging markets.Research limitations/implicationsThe conceptual study has research implications for scholars. It constructs a conceptual framework and develops six hypotheses contextualized in emerging markets. The framework can be empirically tested across countries to validate the hypotheses and develop a competing model to explain more variance in digital entrepreneurship. This study also presents the possibility of analytical generalization.Practical implicationsThis study has practical implications for digital entrepreneurs in emerging markets or those wishing to enter emerging markets. The main implication is that disruptive technology leads to digital entrepreneurship; however, the digital environment moderates it. Thus, digital entrepreneurs need to consider digital environmental effects such as data security, customer privacy and SEO. Given that two-thirds of the world is classified as an emerging market, the impact of the study is noticeable for practitioners as well.Social implicationsDisruptive technology fosters digital entrepreneurship, which creates opportunities for innovative solutions for society worldwide. It breaks down the barriers to entry and promotes inclusivity by providing products and services that were unavailable before. Digital products are also economical and environmentally friendly, making them more suitable for people in emerging markets.Originality/valueThis study makes three new contributions. First, it proposes that disruptive technology leads to digital entrepreneurship and that the digital environment moderates the relationship between disruptive technology and digital entrepreneurship. Second, from a theoretical viewpoint, it develops a theoretical testable framework, links the variables and proposes the six hypotheses. Finally, the most significant contribution of the study is the identification of the digital environment variable and its dimensions – security, privacy and SEO algorithm – and its comparison between advanced countries and emerging markets.

A Conceptual Educoach Multi-Sided Business Model: Online Tutoring Platform to Improve Career Opportunities of B40s and Unemployed Graduates as Digital Entrepreneurs

The paper discusses the development of EduCoach, an online tutoring platform aimed at supporting B40 university students in Malaysia, who come from families with monthly incomes below RM 4,850. EduCoach connects these students with qualified tutors for personalized, one-on-one academic assistance, aiming to enhance academic outcomes and student satisfaction. Despite competition from similar platforms, EduCoach emphasizes ensuring high-quality tutoring to stand out. It also offers tutors, especially B40 working adults and the unemployed, a chance to earn extra income and gain teaching experience, albeit with the need to manage their time effectively. Additionally, note sellers can monetize their academic materials, provided they maintain high standards of quality and organization. The platform adopts a design thinking approach to empathize with users, define problems, and prototype solutions, ensuring a user-friendly and effective service. EduCoach addresses the educational challenges faced by university students while offering flexible income opportunities for tutors and note sellers.

Digital Entrepreneurship, The Risk and Business Viability Assessment in Nigeria

The study assessed digital entrepreneurship, the risk and the business viability in Nigeria. The study's specific goal is to ascertain the degree of viability and risk assessment of digital entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s economic space. Digital entrepreneurship is a 21st century business model because it is an enterprise that relies only on a digital platform that is pursued and managed by a digital entrepreneur. Digital entrepreneurs rely on internet resources to create and expand their digital services enterprises. The study's sample included 400 respondents who were chosen from Delta State's small and medium-sized business owners and proprietors. The adopted descriptive survey method and simple percentages were used to evaluate the data. The overall conclusion of the study is that digital entrepreneurship is a highly effective and viable business model in Nigeria and it is fantastic in bringing goods and services to customers' doorsteps, provides business owners with a platform for brand development and content creation as well as business growth. The study identified five major risks associated with digital entrepreneurship as cyber security risk, information security and privacy risk, fraud risk, copyright violation risk, infringement of trademark risk. The study confirmed that digital entrepreneurship creates business values at profit with lower cost of production when compared to the cost of operating physically established businesses or other means of doing business offline. The study also concludes empirically that digital entrepreneurship has a low possibility of loss but high profit possibility with the ability to manage the four identified risks.

Threat or prospect? Exploring the impact of digital entrepreneurs’ artificial intelligence perception and intention to adopt blockchain technology on the achievement of SDGs

This paper explores how digital entrepreneurs' intention toward blockchain technology adoption, perception of reduced costs, and knowledge of Artificial Intelligence impact achieving UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), drawing attention from various sectors. Present study applies explanatory sequential mixed method for data collection. Moreover, to work with the dual face patterned data, PLS-SEM is used to perform quantitative analysis of the data collected from 389 digital entrepreneurs who are chosen through purposive sampling and then content analysis is performed for the qualitative data according to the explanatory sequential mixed method's rule of thumb. The study's quantitative phase shows that factors such as perceived ease of use and usefulness of Industry 4.0 technologies, knowledge of artificial intelligence (KAI), and perception of reduced cost positively influence digital entrepreneurs' intention to adopt blockchain technology (BCT). Notably, KAI has the strongest impact. In the qualitative phase, it's found that digital entrepreneurs' KAI and willingness to adopt BCT strongly align with achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), suggesting BCT adoption's potential for sustainable outcomes. The outcomes of this study set a new benchmark in the domain of SDGs achievement with careful integration to Industry 4.0, AI and BCT. This study results undoubtedly instigate the digital entrepreneurs to adopt BCT in doing their start-up and convince the policymakers to set regulatory landscape with convenient environment for the utilization of BCT which then ultimately accelerates the achievement of SDGs.

Small Steps, Big Security: TAM-Powered Insights of Cybersecurity Adoption Among Small-And-Medium Entrepreneurs in Digital Business

Embracing digital business enhances company resilience, yet small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack resources to combat cyber threats, unlike larger enterprises. Sophisticated cyberattacks surpass standard antivirus software, necessitating a shift in cybersecurity strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between knowledge, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and the adoption of cybersecurity among small-and-medium entrepreneurs in Perak, Malaysia. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this ongoing research employed a quantitative approach by distributing questionnaires to 400 digital entrepreneurs in the small and medium-sized business sectors in Perak. The findings revealed that the majority of entrepreneurs possessed a relatively high level of knowledge about cybersecurity. Furthermore, the study identified a strong positive correlation between knowledge and perceived usefulness (correlation coefficient r = 0.639), as well as a moderately positive correlation between knowledge and perceived ease of use (correlation coefficient r = 0.435) among small and medium entrepreneurs in Perak. Consequently, this study contributes to a better understanding of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) within the context of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and the adoption of cybersecurity, thereby enriching the existing literature on cybersecurity among small and medium entrepreneurs in the era of digital business.

Pelatihan Kewirausahaan Digital Untuk Atlet Kota Semarang

This service activity aims to increase the potential of athletes in the world of digital entrepreneurship for athletes assisted by KONI Semarang City through entrepreneurship training in the digital field. The potential for digital businesses in Indonesia is very large and is expected to continue to grow. Therefore the main focus of this activity is to provide a better understanding of the potential outside the world of sport as well as the digital entrepreneurial skills needed to start and manage your own business. The service method is in the form of understanding the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Facilitating Business Logo Creation and Digital Entrepreneurship Skills. By involving expertise in entrepreneurship and training, this program is designed to empower athletes to create independent economic opportunities. Through this approach, it is hoped that athletes can overcome economic challenges after retiring from their sports careers and create a brighter future as successful digital entrepreneurs.

What makes for digital entrepreneurs? The role of AI-related drivers for nascent digital start-up activities

PurposeApplying the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) model, this study aims to explore how AI-driven stimuli (e.g. ChatGPT adoption in entrepreneurship and perceived AI competencies) stimulate individuals’ cognitive organisms (e.g. digital entrepreneurial opportunity exploration and exploitation), and how these individually, congruently, and incongruently trigger their behavioral responses (e.g. nascent digital start-up activities).Design/methodology/approachUtilizing a sample of 1326 MBA students in Vietnam with a stratified sampling approach, multiple linear regression and polynomial regression with response surface analysis were used to test hypotheses.FindingsThe findings reveal that ChatGPT adoption in entrepreneurship and perceived AI competencies have a positive and significant impact on individuals’ digital entrepreneurial opportunity exploration and exploitation, which in turn, positively affects nascent digital start-up activities. Moreover, the study also reports that digital entrepreneurial opportunity exploration and exploitation can be congruently combined with each other to trigger the effects of nascent digital start-up activities.Practical implicationsSome valuable recommendations based on the findings have been provided for practitioners and policymakers.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the academic landscape by validating the SOR model within the context of AI adoption and entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the sequential processes of stimulus, cognitive responses, and behavioral outcomes, shedding light on nuanced effects in the digital entrepreneurial landscape.

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of digital entrepreneur skills

Research in the field of entrepreneurship has become an intriguing area for further investigation. In an era where digital advancements are ubiquitous, previous researchers have identified a gap: the lack of a specific instrument to identify digital entrepreneur skills. Therefore, this study aims to determine the constructs of students’ digital entrepreneur skills. The analysis techniques include confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Pearson correlation, Kendall’s, Spearman’s, and Cronbach’s alpha. The study was conducted over five phases with 235 participants from university students in Indonesia who run or own a business. The results revealed strong instrument validity with robustness ranging from significant Pearson, Kendall’s, and Spearman’s analyses (<0.05) and Cronbach’s alpha (>0.60). The exploratory factor analysis indicated a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of 0.954 (>0.05) and Bartlett’s test (0.000 < 0.05), with all items having values of anti-image (>0.50), communalities (> 0.50), and factor loadings (> 0.40), uncovering three components. Lastly, the CFA demonstrated an overall good fit model, with high first-order factor loadings (>0.60) and a second-order construct digital entrepreneur skills comprising three components: interpersonal digital skills with a factor loading of 0.890, idea and technology management skills (0.920), and adaptation and innovation skills (1.020). The study highlights the critical need for students to develop digital entrepreneurial skills encompassing interpersonal digital skills, ideation, and technology management, as well as adaptation and innovation abilities to thrive in the digital economy and enhance their personal and professional growth. AcknowledgmentI want to thank all those who have helped make this research a success, especially for Sebelas Maret University as a place of affiliation and all respondents willing to participate in my study.

Examining the essential elements of digital transformation and entrepreneurship: An extensive review of the literature

In today's digital age, it is critical to recognize the description of Digital Entrepreneurship (DE), digital transformation (DT) and their ability to interact with each other. This kind of comprehension of DE is seen as a crucial foundational element for fostering creativity, creation of jobs and prosperity. However, an array of problems with DE and DT are pervasive and prevent digital entrepreneurs from maximizing the benefits that global entrepreneurship brings to the economic worth of their businesses. As a result, the current study aims to investigate DE and digital transitions, as well as their sort and dealings. Data obtained and analyzed using a systematic analytical technique that recognizes and discuss the characteristics of DE and DT. By using the active capability premise as a support, the features are provided. Individuals and groups are able to establish new businesses or expand existing ones by creating cutting-edge technological advancements or making creative use of technical developments if they understand the characteristics of DE and digital transition.

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Factors Shaping Entrepreneurial Dynamics in Saudi Arabia

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors impacting entrepreneurial intentions, behaviors, innovations, and senses of self-efficacy in the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Through illuminating the roles of ecosystem, entrepreneurial intention, innovation, and education, the study aspires to provide insights into the distinctive dynamics of digital entrepreneurship in this geographical setting. The study makes use of both qualitative in-depth interviews with subject matter experts and quantitative statistical analysis of survey responses. The Saudi digital entrepreneur ecosystem is explored qualitatively through 15 in-depth interviews with industry experts, and quantitatively with 248 survey responses that allow for hypothesis testing using structural equation modeling. The quantitative data in this study was analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results emphasize the mediating roles of entrepreneurial ambition and innovation, highlighting the key significance of the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem in driving entrepreneur behavior. Entrepreneurial education emerges as a powerful element, acting as both a moderator in shaping entrepreneurial success. The research provides useful information about the unique characteristics of digital entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia.

Usage of Digital Marketing Channels by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Nganjuk Regency

This study provides insight into the utilization of digital marketing channels for MSMEs in Nganjuk Regency, Indonesia. Starting from the types of channels usaged, the constraints during utilization and the benefits obtained by MSMEs. This study used a descriptive qualitative and quantitative approach with a case study design on MSMEs in the Nganjuk area. The data from this study were obtained from the results of semi-structured interviews with related parties, 30 respondents of MSME who were registered at the Industry and Trade Office of Nganjuk Regency as Digital Entrepreneur Academy-Digital Talent Scholarship training participants, observations, and analysis of related documents. This study shows that the utilization of digital marketing channels can facilitate MSME in marketing activities: providing information, increasing brand awareness, expanding market share, and increasing sales. The next finding, that MSMEs in the Nganjuk Regency mostly usage social media as one of the channels. Constraints obtained in the utilization of digital marketing channels are due to MSMEs in Nganjuk still not prioritizing the usage of digital marketing channels. The obstacles include understanding MSMEs regarding digital marketing and its channels, resources including capital and human resources that are not yet qualified. Furthermore, researchers through the marketing mix approach – 4P (product, price, place, and promotion) found a digital marketing strategy for MSMEs in Nganjuk Regency.

Designing a Digital Business Study Program using Lean Startup Methodology

In the ever growing digital era, the need for adaptive and innovative business education is becoming increasingly important. This research focuses on the central problem of the lack of integration between traditional business theory and dynamic digital business practices, as well as the need to develop entrepreneurial skills that are relevant to today's market. The aim of this research is to design a digital business study program that utilizes the Lean Startup methodology to promote action-oriented and experimental learning. The method used in this research is a participatory curriculum design approach, involving stakeholders from academia, industry and digital entrepreneurs. Data is collected through surveys, in-depth interviews, and case studies, which are then analyzed to identify best practices and principles of effective learning. The conclusion of this research shows that the integration of Lean Startup in digital business study programs can increase students' adaptability and innovation capabilities, preparing them for success in a rapidly changing business environment. The designed program emphasizes iterative learning, rapid market validation, and scalable business model development, all of which are crucial for modern entrepreneurship. This research provides a framework for more responsive and practical digital business education, which can be adopted by educational institutions to develop curricula that meet current and future industry demands.

DIGITAL INEQUALITY AND DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN INDONESIA

In the era of disruption, myriads of digital entrepreneur in Indonesia still faces significant problems due to the demographical disadvantage and the lack of government policies that can overcome the problem faced. This series of problems has resulted to the existence of digital inequality. This study aimed to explains the digital inequality in Indonesia that has an impact on the inequality of opportunities and challenges for digital entrepreneurs. Qualitative approach to case studies in Indonesia. Informants were taken from 3 regions in Indonesia as well as government representatives responsible for the development of information and communication technology. Data was collected through in-depth interviews online and data was processed with the help of NVivo12. The study was conducted for 6 months. The results of this research will certainly have implications for the development of technology research, digitalization and communication as well as business. If the problem of digital inequality is resolved, digital business development in Indonesia will be more competitive. However, the biggest implication can certainly be a recommendation for information and communication technology development policies in Indonesia, such as the policy of building base transceiver station (BTS) in areas where there is no internet connectivity.

KEY TALENT RETENTION DRIVERS IN DIGITAL START-UPS IN MALAYSIA: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ORGANISATIONAL COMMITMENT AND PERSON-ORGANISATION FIT

The paucity of research on talent retention in digital start-ups in Malaysia is considerably high. This study, therefore, aims to investigate relevant key antecedents that have affected talent retention, particularly in the context of the ongoing endemic. A hypothetical deductive study, using a survey involving 207 respondents who are employees currently working in digital start-ups in Malaysia. Data obtained were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that a supportive work environment was directly affecting talent retention, with career development also affecting indirectly the retention of digital personnel through organisational commitment. However, the findings also indicated that neither career development had no significant effect on talent retention nor person-organisation fit had any mediating effect. The outcomes of the study provide evidence that employees engagement drivers are playing vital roles in affecting the talent retention in digital entrepreneurship. It also serves as a guide for the formulation of human resource strategies on talent development and retention. Thus, Malaysian digital entrepreneurs would be able to gain insights on how to leverage the engagement drivers in order to retain great talents.

The importance of being privileged: Digital entrepreneurship as a class project

Abstract Established professional occupations can become the preserve of elites when fitting in is driven by class-based criteria. In contrast, digital entrepreneurship has been proposed as a means by which people may emancipate themselves from societal constraints. We interrogate digital entrepreneurship’s meritocratic foundations by way of a 36-month ethnography of a startup incubator. Attending to the dispositions of digital entrepreneurs, we reveal they use cultural tastes and manners to create the incubator as a place where members of the privileged class can reinvent themselves at their leisure, all the while adopting the meritocratic mythologies of digital entrepreneurship to disavow their own privilege. This opens up a two-fold contribution to the study of professions and occupations. Firstly, we demonstrate how professional and occupational roles are epiphenomenal to class positioning. Secondly, the parallels between the legitimating discourses of entrepreneurs and more established professional jurisdictions attest to a community that is in the process of professionalization.