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Do profitable start-up firms grow faster? Evidence from Colombia

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  • Yuji Honjo

Abstract

This study explores the impact of profitability on the growth of start-up firms. Using data on start-up firms in Colombia, we examine the relationship between firm growth and profitability. We provide evidence that start-up firms with higher profitability increase their total assets. However, we find little evidence that profitability positively affects sales growth for start-up firms. In contrast, the results provide support for the notion that profitability is derived from sales growth. Furthermore, we find that firm growth depends heavily on firm age during the start-up stage.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuji Honjo, 2018. "Do profitable start-up firms grow faster? Evidence from Colombia," Revista Cuadernos de Economia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, FCE, CID, vol. 37(75), pages 727-754, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:col:000093:017126
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    File URL: http://fce.unal.edu.co/media/files/v37n75a04_Honjo.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Growth; Profitability; Start-up;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L21 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Business Objectives of the Firm
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups

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