Conceptualizing the Model of Factors Affecting the Crowdfunding of Knowledge-Based Companies (Case study: Information & Communication Technology & Computer Software Field)

Knowledge-based companies have a very important role in the competitiveness and development of the country. However, due to limited financial resources, designing and choosing a suitable method of providing liquidity for these companies is important. Therefore, the present study has conceptualized the model of factors affecting the crowdfunding of knowledge-based companies. The research approach was a qualitative method and based on grounded theory. The study population was the managers of knowledge-based companies in Kermanshah, Hamedan and Kurdistan provinces in the field of information and communication technology and computer software and experts from the private and public sectors. Accordingly, 35 experts were subjected to semi-structured interviews using judgmental and snowball sampling methods to achieve data theoretical saturation. The method of data analysis was the systematic approach of Strauss and Corbin. In summary, the results showed that the model of factors affecting crowdfunding of knowledge-based companies includes 73 concepts and 24 subcategories that can be classified in the form of central phenomena, causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies and consequences. The most important strategies of the model are: writing of accurate feasibility plan, development of a coherent organizational structure, design of value creation system, design of financial management system, design of intellectual property protection system. Finally, proposals such as launching indigenous crowdfunding platforms, increasing the number of specialized commercialization services brokerages, introducing successful samples of crowdfunding, and providing transparent financial reports to build trust, in order to develop crowdfunding for knowledge-based companies.