Abstract
Young and rapidly internationalizing firms, known as ‘international new ventures’ (INVs) or ‘born globals’ (BGs) have developed their ability to grow rapidly in international markets primarily because the entrepreneur and his or her team have established an international network. Based on six case studies of young technological firms located in the Rhône–Alpes region of France and using a qualitative method, this study focuses on the founders’ capabilities in creating and developing an international business network. The results show that entrepreneurs build on their previous professional experience to mobilize international networks during the start-up phase in order to drive the firm’s activities.