When Do Start-Ups Make Sense?

The start-up has received considerable attention in the last few years. While the National Research Council of Canada has generated many start-ups over its 88-year history, the creation of a formal entrepreneurship programme in the mid-1990s dramatically accelerated the pace at which they were created. Many factors come into play in the decision to select an appropriate commercialization vehicle. While the strength and scale of the business opportunity are key factors, as are the people involved and the status of the intellectual property, there are many other internal and external factors that must be taken into consideration. This article explores these factors and discusses the risks and benefits of the start-up as a commercialization vehicle.