New venture creation in micro and small industries (MSIs) is critically hampered by limited access to capital and weak entrepreneurial ecosystems. This report synthesizes research showing that venture capital (VC) can serve as a catalyst for innovation-driven growth: VC provides not only funding but also expertise, networks, and governance that help small firms innovate and scale34. However, the benefits of VC funding are mixed. While VC-backed startups often achieve rapid ea

Entrepreneurs often begin with more vision than capital. They may have a promising product, a strong market insight, and the determination to build something valuable, yet still face one of the most persistent obstacles in business: access to funding. Whether they are launching a startup, expanding a small business, or trying to survive a difficult early stage, the question of how to secure enough financial support can determine whether the venture moves forward or fades away

Mohammad Hakimi’s name appears quietly in the academic registers of Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business, but the simple...

Charlotte Wickert’s story reads like a thoughtful balancing act between two worlds that many people assume are distinct: the rigorous,...

The Ph.D. research concept represents the cornerstone of academic and intellectual exploration, guiding the research journey from initial idea formulation to final dissertation. It not only shapes the direction and scope of an individual’s research but also influences the broader academic discourse. This paper examines the foundational aspects of the Ph.D. research concept, focusing on the formulation of research questions, the development of a theoretical framework, the sele

Apple Inc., the world’s most valuable technology company, continues to lead the pack with its unrivaled ability to blend cutting-edge...

In 2024, Omead Afshar, a seasoned executive and innovator, stepped into a prominent leadership role as Tesla’s New Vice President