Lean Startup Practice in Finland

Abstract

The thesis examines the movement of lean startup phenomenon within startups in Finland. The research questions for the thesis are: “How are Lean Startups principles changing the way startups are managed?” And “Why are startups in Finland practicing lean startup principles?” The research’s target is to provide a supporting document to evaluate if Lean Startup should be consider as the management philosophy for the startups belonging to JAMK Incubator and Generator Programs. The research is a qualitative multiple-case study, employing three in-depth interviews with Lean Startup experts and practitioners in Finland. During data analysis phase, a data analysis software, Nvivo, was applied to generate codes, categorizes and concepts from the data collected. The result of the research showed that lean startup had a positive impact on the organizational behavior, increases productivity and effectiveness of the startup’s process by speeding the startup’s cycle, efficiently allocating resources, supporting product/market fit and reducing risks. Reflecting the results to theoretical background, the research indicates that there were two major components of a successful lean startup practice, Lean Startup iterations and its supporting factors of leadership, cross-functional collaboration and continuing learning. The finding was summarized in to a Lean Approach model. The model, solidly visualizing the answers for the research questions, served as a main framework for the thesis’s discussion.