Dynamic framework of performance assessment for startups

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a performance evaluation framework designed exclusively to look at startups' reality. Design/methodology/approach This paper is exclusively theoretical, however, with the application of the Delphi method. For the application of this method, the framework was transformed in a questionnaire with closed- and open-ended questions, which is applied to 12 experts in this theme. A pre-test of the instrument was carried out, and the analysis was developed by sum. Findings As a result, the framework presents a cyclic format, encompassing the strategy, goal, modules, indicators, actions and evaluation of the performance assessment method, using a spiral format, and assigning the time variable. Research limitations/implications This research contributes for the advance of performance assessment methods that consider organizations' life cycle and for the assessment of startups, for presenting an exclusive tool in this context. Practical implications The results can contribute as a potential management tool with an integrative, recursive and continuous character. It has the potential to imply the behavior and capabilities of managers, given their difficulties in managing their business. Originality/value As originality of the work, the use of the organization life cycle stands out to compose a performance evaluation process, which has not yet been addressed in the performance literature.