An evaluation of the impact of networking events for successful startups in São Paulo and New York

Abstract

Estudo e análise da importância de eventos para empreendedores, sobretudo em startups, nas cidades de São Paulo e Nova Iorque

In recent years, influenced by successful and high-profile benchmarks, entrepreneurship has transitioned from a definition for an unconventional professional with an idea to a mainstream career for millions of college graduates and experienced risk-takers. Therefore, this thesis analyzes the influences of networking events as critical resources for the success of startups in São Paulo and New York. Based on a survey conducted with more than 80 startups in both cities, and a series of interviews with several entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders, this thesis empirically shows the positive results that founders/CEOs receive by attending networking events. Furthermore, this thesis indicates some gaps as well as some opportunities regarding startup-related networking events that can foster the entrepreneurial ecosystem in both cities. Although numerous academic papers and research have identified the most important resources for creating, fostering, and consolidating an entrepreneurial hub, understanding the role of networking events will shed light on this specific subject.