The Impact of Early Imprinting on Evolution of New Venture Networks

Stephanie A. Fernhaber, Butler University
Hana Milanov

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For the publisher's final, definitive version, see doi:10.1016/j.jbusvent.2007.11.001

Abstract

Given the argued importance of networks to new ventures, this paper is intended to fill a noted gap in the literature pertaining to the factors that influence the evolution of new ventures' alliance networks. Drawing on the imprinting literature, we propose that one has to look beyond the first partner per se, and instead focus on the extant relationships the initial partner has with other firms. More specifically, we argue and find that the network size and centrality of a new venture's initial alliance partner influence the subsequent size of the new venture's network.