Metods. The research was implemented using the following methods: abstraction – to deepen the understanding of startups as subjects and objects of strategic management in the context of local economic development; analysis and generalization – to determine the features of the formation and development of successful startups in various ecosystems and territorial communities, taking into account the life trajectory of startup founders; systematization – to determine the relationships between groups of entities that carry out strategic management of startup projects and are interested in the development of local socio-economic systems. Results. Generalized approaches to understanding startups as subjects and objects of strategic management in the context of local economic development. The features of the development of promising and successful Ukrainian startups in modern startup ecosystems are analyzed. The factors of initiation and development of startups are analyzed in accordance with the life trajectory of their founders. Proposals for improving the strategic management of a startup in the context of local economic development have been developed. Novelty. The proposed approach to the identification of a startup as an object and subject of strategic management in the context of the interests of its founder and the expectations of the local community regarding the impact of the startup on local economic development. The systematic approach to the strategic management of a startup in the context of local economic development on the basis of glocality, which involves the development of a startup project in a multi-ecosystem environment with the appropriate distribution of direct and indirect profits of the project among a wide range of stakeholders, has been further developed. Practical value. The results of the study will allow startup founders and entities responsible for local economic development planning to improve the effectiveness of strategic management of startup projects in accordance with interests and opportunities for influence.