Factors Affecting the Internationalization of Start-ups: The Case Study Of Minerva System S.r.l.

Start-ups today represent one of the main drivers of economic, technological, and social innovation, thanks to their ability to introduce rapid, flexible, and highly scalable solutions. In an increasingly interconnected global economy, their international expansion is no longer an exception but a strategic necessity. This thesis aims to explore the phenomenon of start-up internationalization, with particular attention to the dynamics that facilitate early entry into foreign markets, agile organizational structures, and the growing importance of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Following a critical review of the literature on start-ups, the research adopts a qualitative methodology based on an in-depth case study to investigate the role of managerial competencies, relational networks, and institutional support in enabling international growth. The findings highlight how rapid internationalization capacity is often linked to a combination of global entrepreneurial vision, lean approaches, and integration into acceleration and innovation networks. The thesis thus contributes to the theoretical and practical debate on the evolution of start-ups in the global landscape.