From academics to praxis: Tensions and experiences in the operation of a startup

Abstract

Autoethnography within the area of entrepreneurship has been scarce since few researchers in this area have used it (Engstrom, 2012). This article deals with the experience of a university researcher founding a cooperative startup along with other partners, the difficulties in its operation, board interaction, and diverse obstacles he has faced. Using analytical generalization following Chang (2008), the results suggest a broad reflection on organizational, social and cultural aspects, which are immersed in the processes of change in every institution and more on a startup due its chaotical nature, and how is vital for this new ventures that they partners perceived themselves more as entrepreneurs than investors, since this might support deal with the natural anomalies that any new venture will confront on diverse areas.