Riding the Roller Coaster of Emotional Energy in a Student Startup Incubator

Abstract

Emotional energy, as a building block to progressing new entrepreneurial opportunities, refers to the actions that are driven by confidence, enthusiasm, and strength to take initiative. This study examines the ebb and flow of emotional energy in a student-centred university incubator that employs a lean startup method. We contribute a model that illustrates the roller coaster of emotional energy experienced by the student founders during the program and highlights the key role that interactions play in de-energizing or re-energizing participants. We further examine the impact of these interactions on the participants’ emotional energy, and the significance of re-energizing interactions in the program to support the development of opportunity confidence.