New actors in entrepreneurial networks: the emerging role of venture builders

Entrepreneurial networks support the creation and growth of new ventures by enabling access to resources, knowledge, and strategic relationships. While prior research has mainly focused on actors such as science parks, incubators, and accelerators, the role of venture builders as emerging actors in entrepreneurial networks remains underexplored. This study investigates how venture builders interact with entrepreneurial networks and how network ties influence their business model development. By adopting a qualitative approach, the research is based on a case study of an Italian venture builder. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and secondary sources. The findings show that venture builders act as new actors that integrate venture creation, strategic consultancy, and resource orchestration, reconfiguring network relationships and supporting the development of new ventures.