Scale-ups and high-growth firms : theory, definitions, and measurement / Alex Coad, Anders Bornhäll, Sven-Olov Daunfeldt, Alexander McKelvie

Includes bibliographical references

High-Growth Firms -- Stages of Growth models -- A definition of a scale-up -- In search of scale-ups: empirical analysis

This open access book goes into the details of the characteristics of scale-ups, touching upon various theoretical perspectives (stages of growth models, the role of intangible capital, the tradeoffs between fixed costs and marginal costs) relating to firm growth, to provide a clear definition of this emerging concept. Given the disproportionately large economic contribution of a small number of fast-growing firms, there has been growing interest in a category of dynamic ventures called "scale-ups". The term was popularized by Silicon Valley Venture Capitalists before receiving attention from academics and public policy makers. However, there remains considerable confusion regarding what a scale-up actually is. This is an open access book