Investments in companies with high participation of intangibles: Case study of startups in the IT sector

Abstract

The valuation of IT companies in early stages is interesting given that at this stage they do not have sufficient financial information, in addition to containing a high participation of intangibles. This makes it difficult to obtain investment since valuation methods based on financial information are difficult to apply. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to identify which are the main variables that influence the contributions of capital to be received by entrepreneurs in startups in the technology sector in Uruguay. The methodology used is based on a non-experimental research of a qualitative and exploratory nature. The main variables taken into account by investors are identified through in-depth interviews, conducted with some market referents in order to explore the answers obtained in eight startup companies in Uruguay. As a result, relevant variables for investors when investing in IT companies are presented.