Social entrepreneurs at the base of the pyramid

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Social entrepreneurship gained prominence after Muhammad Yunus received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. This dissertation examines the strategic activities of social entrepreneurs operating at the base of the pyramid, employing a resource-based view that emphasizes the importance of resource combinations over market position. Methodologically, it adopts a hermeneutical approach and is qualitative in nature. The researcher contributes to the field by establishing a social venture, using data from this experience alongside other case studies and interviews. A key feature of this research is its longitudinal perspective. Empirical data includes insights from a water sector venture in Eritrea, an incubator for social entrepreneurs in Germany, a non-profit language school enabling individuals from developing countries to teach via Skype, and interviews with six Ashoka Sahel Fellows. The study develops twenty propositions regarding the start-up process of social ventures, adhering to the hermeneutical paradigm. The final chapter shifts to a positivist approach, presenting a three-stage process model of entrepreneurship from a resource-based perspective. Findings reveal that bootstrapping is the most effective start-up strategy, independence from local government is vital for success, and democratic decision-making processes can hinder progress. The dissertation concludes with practical recommendations for businesses targeting impover