Objective: With the rise of the internet and information technology in recent decades, startups have emerged as a platform for creating new business opportunities based on innovative ideas. Since startups are closely tied to the technology sector, they have become a driving force in national economies. However, their high failure rate highlights the reality that failure is an inherent and inevitable part of the startup ecosystem. Given the limited resources and time available to startups, a single failed project can lead to the collapse of an entire business. Furthermore, the impact of global pandemics (COVID-19) and economic sanctions on Iran has caused several Iranian startups to struggle or fail. Therefore, the present study aims to develop a framework for the team resilience model of startup founders in Iran.
Method: This study is applied and exploratory in purpose and employs a qualitative approach using Grounded Theory. The research includes multiple case studies of companies such as industrial robotics firms, precision instrumentation businesses, and online appointment platforms that have successfully navigated the startup lifecycle and demonstrated resilience. The sampling process followed a snowball approach, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved after 11 interviews. Data validity was ensured through participant review, while reliability was assessed using the test-retest method. The Holsti percentage agreement method was used to determine coding consistency, achieving an 82% match.
Findings: The study identifies seven key factors influencing the success or failure of resilience in Iranian startup teams, encompassing 20 underlying concepts. These factors are categorized within a paradigmatic model as follows: - Causal Factors: Individual and team-level factors; - Contextual Factors: Political, economic, and social conditions, organizational practices, cultural influences, and collective resources; - Intervening Factors: Organizational structure, group composition, task design, expectations, and communication; - Strategies: Agile leadership (maintaining performance and well-being) and resilience learning; - Outcomes: Team-based business resilience, including behavior management, strategic planning, learning, and cultural adaptation. Additionally, the study highlights that technical expertise, specialized knowledge, and individual skills within a team significantly contribute to either success or failure. Psychological attributes such as self-confidence, risk-taking, and a learning-oriented mindset in business were also identified as crucial elements in the startup resilience model.
Conclusion: The results indicate that while startup teams experience challenges and crises, these obstacles ultimately serve as learning opportunities, fostering positive experiences that enhance preparedness and resilience adaptability for future challenges.