Scaleup Success and Leadership Practices : A qualitative single case study

Abstract: This paper is a single case study on the role of leadership on the success of a Startup that successfully transitioned into a Scaleup, LeanIX, which is a German company founded in 2012. While leadership's crucial role in Startup success is acknowledged in academic literature, little is known about its specific impact when transitioning to a Scaleup. The study aims to fill this gap by examining LeanIX's leadership strategies, their implementation, and the resulting benefits. This research provides insights into how leadership can foster success in Startups and Scaleups. Through a thematic analysis of seven semi-structured interviews with the top management of a global Scaleup, this study has identified four critical success factors. Firstly, transparent communication was found to build trust and empower team members. Secondly, transformative leadership was found to be essential in driving accelerated growth. Thirdly, effective processes and structures were found to become increasingly important as the company expands. Finally, the study highlights the critical role of autonomous teams in achieving success as a Scaleup. These findings provide valuable insights into the factors that contribute to the success of global Scaleups. However, the case of LeanIX is unique, and the factors contributing to its success may not directly apply to other companies due to many various reasons, such as market factors or specific product attributes. These findings contribute to the literature on the role of leadership in the success of Startups and provide practical insights for entrepreneurs and managers.