ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the dynamics of network development in the very early phases of venture creation. It is a matter of fact that minimal attention has been paid to understanding how networks change over time in business networks. Clearly, in the very early stages of venture development, nascent entrepreneurial teams mobilized and utilized a variety of network contacts. Just as in the first phase of development, mobilization and utilization of the network was typically done in an iterative manner. Nevertheless, the teams had developed better capabilities of managing in networks. Throughout the Conceptualization phase, mobilization and utilization of the network was typically performed in an iterative manner. Thus, the teams had left a phase of attempting to do business and instead initiated a phase of venture development where they would run a sustainable business. This phase of venture development was therefore significantly different in character from the Conceptualization phase.
