THE ROLE OF NETWORKING IN THE FOUNDING AND DEVELOPMENT OF START-UP TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES

The paper deals with researching the role of social networks in the creation and development of technological start-up companies. The multiple-case design method has been applied. There have been carried out the case studies of four start-ups in the Moravian-Silesian region in the Czech Republic in the framework of the research. All data was obtained from semi-structured interviews with co-founders of start-ups. The research results have demonstrated the importance of social networks in the development and in the creation of start-ups, in particular for the creation of the incorporation of the team, recruiting the staff, consulting, and the creation of a network of partners, raising funds and building the legitimacy. The focus of the networking activities is, to a large extent, based on the chosen strategy, motivation and funding. The research has also presented the diversity of networking strategies and their benefits.