Decision support systems: Influential factors in the startup and investor ecosystem

Abstract: Startups struggle to transition from young and early stage startups to mature operational startups because of challenges in acquiring Venture Capital investments due to the competition from existing peers. This thesis proposes the use of Decision Support Systems to create and sustain competitive advantage for startups in the pre-investment and post-investment phases. The Actor Network theory has been used to map out the relevant networks and actors in the startup and investor ecosystem after which the Resource based view theory has been used to understand the value of Decision support systems resources and attributes in this ecosystem during different stages of investment. This thesis has been examined through 5 interviews with 3 mature startup founders and 2 investment managers. Key findings highlight factors and attributes of Decision support system resources from both Information System and non-Information system standpoints that lead to sustainable competitive advantage. Additionally, the thesis highlights the strategic role of Decision support systems in a startup’s change management and planning.