Startup Entrepreneurs Facing Technological Disruption: Insights from Indonesia

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has transformed entrepreneurial ecosystems, compelling startups to navigate complex challenges and opportunities. While significant research has focused on structural and functional aspects of technological disruption, limited attention has been given to the subjective experiences of entrepreneurs in emerging markets. This study addresses the gap by exploring how startup founders in Indonesia experience and respond to technological disruptions. Using a phenomenological approach, this research investigates the lived realities of founders to uncover the meanings and strategies they construct in navigating dynamic ecosystems. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify themes such as adaptive leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and the dual role of technology as both an enabler and a challenge. The findings reveal that startup founders employ rapid learning and team-oriented strategies to adapt to disruptions, highlighting the critical role of individual agency within systemic pressures. From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to existing frameworks by incorporating subjective experiences of entrepreneurs, thus broadening the scope of entrepreneurial and innovation research. Practically, the study offers actionable insights for ecosystem developers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for targeted support mechanisms that enhance resilience and adaptability in digital startups.