Copreneurship in Iran: what internal factors lead to the success of copreneurs?

Copreneurship is one of the species of family businesses which despite their expansion in recent decades, there are few studies about them. In this regard, identifying the factors affecting the success of copreneurs can provide useful and effective solutions in improving and developing this type of entrepreneurship. Therefore, the present study has used the qualitative research method (narrative study) to identify the internal environmental factors affecting the success of copreneurs. Sample consisted of successful copreneurs in new small service businesses in Tehran. Thematic analysis of fourteen semi-structured interviews with women in these businesses led to the identification of three main themes: “interaction between couples” with three subthemes “emotional relationships”, “transparent communication”, “mutual respect and trust”, and the “ability to interact”; “management and planning” with three subthemes “work relationships”, “work-family balance”, and “co-leadership”; and finally “resources” with two subthemes “financial resources” and “non-financial resources”. These findings help policy makers to initiate suitable supportive programs for development of copreneurship in the country. Finally, suggestions for future research are presented.