Anja Hagedorn

• This publication-based dissertation covers four independent empirical essays using different methodological approaches that examine the role of social capital, especially networks of supporters in the venture crea-tion process from two perspectives, the financial and the knowledge development perspective. In particular, two of the essays focus on the financing process in crowdiesting and its stakeholders from the ankles of the entrepreneurs and the iestors. The second one also explores the iestors’ characteristics, motivations and reactions to signals. Two further essays focus on supporting activities provided by third parties. One analyses the structure of supporters during the founding process and their relationship to the founder by using a novel approach for social capital research. The other essay highlights the special role of founder coaches during the first stages of the venture, including modelling five functional roles. It also analyses the quality of the relationship between founder and coach as well as its challenges. The data highlight that high quality networks and thus its social capital can be strategically created for the benefit of the founder during the venture development process. New insights coming from this thesis advance the current discussion on social capital by expanding it to recent phenomena in entrepreneurship of highly practical nature.