Capturing Global Opportunities: The Phenomenon of Accelerated Multinationalization

How do entrepreneurial firms internationalize to capitalize on large international opportunities? Drawing on in-depth case studies of high-growth firms, this study develops a model of accelerated multinationalization. We find that to exploit large international opportunities, a global entrepreneurial vision drives internationalization. Challenges of liability of outsidership, risk and uncertainty, and a liability of speed are evidently encountered, yet are handled through a conscientious pacing by the firm. By theorizing a new form of entrepreneurial internationalization, this study resolves a central conundrum in internationalization process theory - that of consistently high-paced international expansion.