Um Retrato das Startups de uma Aceleradora Localizada em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

Abstract

The renewal and development of an economy depend on innovation, which is closely related to new ventures and startups. This article aims to characterize existing startups in the innovation ecosystem of Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais - Brazil), considering the startups present in an Acceleration Program. For achieving this purpose, a qualitative research with a descriptive approach and a case study focusing on the Techmall S.A. Acceleration Program was adopted. The results revealed the profile of the entrepreneur, predominantly young, without previous entrepreneurial experience and with degree in Exact Sciences. As for Startups, most are in operation in several segments; received some award and are not aresult of academic or business spin-offs. The predominant form of hiring employees is temporary internship and scholarship regime. The results presented the main challenges faced by the startups are escalating sales and attracting customers (internal challenges), and taking initial capital, financing and foreign investments (external challenges). To face such challenges, the accelerator should assist in mapping customers and determining sales strategies, considering that this is one of the difficulties found. Finally, the study concluded that it is necessary that the Minas Gerais Innovation Ecosystem be aware of the challenges encountered, in order to formulate policies to minimize them.