Mapping Risks Faced by Startup Investors: An Approach Based on the Apriori Algorithm

Abstract

This article maps and verifies the dependence relation between risks faced by startup investors. Thus, a systematic review of 33 articles and a meta-analysis using the Apriori algorithm were used. We mapped 14 investment risks faced by startup investors, classifying them into four dimensions: external, internal, human, and capital. Furthermore, by using the Apriori algorithm, dependency relations between nine investment risks were observed. This research fills a gap related to the non-structuring of a holistic approach to the investment risks startup investors face. In addition, a comprehensive review of and a discussion about the relation between investment risks provides a theoretical foundation for startups’ investments based on analyzing the risks inherent to this activity.

Keywords

• venture capital
• investment
• investor
• startups
• risk
• apriori algorithm