Social network's impact on new venture performance - An empirical research of Zhejiang entrepreneurs

Abstract

Entrepreneurial network possesses a significant influence on new venture performance, but there are little articles studied it on the basis of entrepreneurs' characteristics in a certain region. Based on social network theory, entrepreneurial theories, and previous researches, this paper analyzed the characteristics of Zhejiang entrepreneurs and their social networks in detail, discussed the impact that social networks exerted on new venture performance. With the data of 130 valid samples in Zhejiang, through an empirical analysis, we found that highly educated Zhejiang entrepreneur groups showed a rising trend, entrepreneurial network was equally important for different entrepreneurs and new start-ups, and that entrepreneurs' social network size and network strength can indeed promote the development of enterprises and the economic efficiency. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.