What Determines the Growth Ambition of Dutch Early-Stage Entrepreneurs?

This paper investigates the determinants of the ambition to grow among Dutch early-stage entrepreneurs. We use GEM adult population survey data for The Netherlands. Merging cross-sectional data of the years 2002-2007 leads to a sample of 409 nascent entrepreneurs and 336 young business owners. Growth ambition is measured by asking respondents which statement fits him or her best: 1) I want my company to be as large as possible; 2) I want a size I can manage myself or with a few key employees. We find that nascent entrepreneurs and young business owners are equally likely to strive after growth. For nascent entrepreneurs fear of failure and entrepreneurial self-efficacy are important factors explaining growth ambition. Starting a business because of perceiving and exploiting a business opportunity (as opposed to necessity entrepreneurship) is an important driver of growth ambition for all early-stage entrepreneurs, but in particular for nascents.