Identifying and analyzing the competencies needed by mentors in the growth process of startups

Abstract
The primary objective of the present study is to identify and analyze the competencies required of mentors in the startup growth process. The research is applied in nature, based on its purpose, and employs a multiple case study method for data analysis. The level of analysis encompasses startups and businesses operating within accelerators and incubators in Khorasan Razavi province. Using homogeneous purposive sampling, 25 businesses were subjected to in-depth exploratory analysis, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 34 experts and specialists in the selected organizations, achieving theoretical saturation.
The research tool was a semi-structured interview, whose validity was ensured through internal validity based on the selection of appropriate samples and reliability through the precise guidance of the interview process and the design of well-suited questions for data collection. Using a content analysis approach and through a three-stage coding process, 96 concepts were derived from the interviews and theoretical foundations during the open coding phase. Following a detailed examination and connection of concepts, 30 themes and 6 dimensions were identified.
According to the designed startup growth process model, in the ideation and concept cultivation stage, 6 mentor competencies lead to an optimal business model with 3 key characteristics. To transform the optimal business model into a functional enterprise with competitive market entry, 7 mentor competencies act as moderating factors during the startup's launch, initial growth, and sustained growth stages.
Keywords: Mentor competencies, mentoring, startup growth process