Role of Digital Platforms in Entrepreneurial Processes: A Resource Enabling Perspective of Startups in Pakistan

Abstract: This article aims to explore the role of digital platforms as external enablers in entrepreneurial processes. The recent infusion of digital platforms into different aspects of innovation and entrepreneurship has supported digital entrepreneurship; however, the altered entrepreneurial processes are yet to be explored. This study focuses on digital platform-based startups of Pakistan and draws on entrepreneurial bricolage theory to understand the enabling external resources. We followed multiple qualitative case studies approach and collected data through semi-structured interviews from two startups operating solely on digital platforms, 1) XYLEXA and 2) Toycycle. The findings show that entrepreneurial process is a continuous process. Digital platforms have made entrepreneurial processes less bounded i.e. the products and services keep on evolving even after they have been endorsed to the end user. Moreover, platform-based startups having limited resources can move through the entire entrepreneurial process by combining available resources efficiently and effectively.