Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis presents the research and development of a Business Model Canvas (BMC) tool specifically designed to aid startups in effectively formulating, iterating, and implementing their business models. The tool aims to address the challenges faced by startups in developing a comprehensive and coherent business model that aligns with their goals, resources, and market needs. The research methodology involved in-depth literature review, analysis of existing BMC tools, and consultation with experts in entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem. The study also included user testing and feedback collection to ensure the usability and relevance of the developed tool. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, including the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of terms. Chapter 2 comprises a comprehensive literature review covering key concepts related to business model development, BMC frameworks, and tools available for startups. Chapter 3 details the research methodology employed in the development of the BMC tool, including the design process, testing methods, and data collection techniques. The findings from the study are discussed in Chapter 4, highlighting the key features and functionalities of the developed BMC tool. The chapter also presents the results of user testing and feedback, demonstrating the effectiveness and usability of the tool in assisting startups with business model formulation. The conclusion and summary of the thesis are presented in Chapter 5, emphasizing the significance of the developed BMC tool in supporting startups in their journey towards sustainable growth and success. Overall, this research contributes to the field of entrepreneurship by providing startups with a practical and user-friendly tool to enhance their business model development process. The BMC tool offers a structured approach for startups to visualize, analyze, and iterate their business models, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making and increased chances of business success.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Development of a Business Model Canvas Tool for Startups" aims to address the critical need for a practical and user-friendly tool to assist startups in developing effective business models. Startups face various challenges in navigating the complex landscape of entrepreneurship, including defining their value proposition, identifying key partners, understanding customer segments, and optimizing revenue streams. The Business Model Canvas (BMC) has emerged as a popular framework for visualizing and analyzing business models due to its simplicity and effectiveness. This research project seeks to enhance the utility of the BMC specifically for startups by developing a customized digital tool that streamlines the process of creating and iterating on business models. The tool will incorporate features such as interactive templates, real-time collaboration capabilities, and data visualization tools to help startups brainstorm, evaluate, and refine their business ideas more efficiently. Through an in-depth literature review, the project will explore existing research on business model development, entrepreneurship, and the BMC framework. By synthesizing insights from academic literature, industry best practices, and real-world case studies, the research aims to identify key success factors and common pitfalls in business model design for startups. The research methodology will involve a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups will be conducted with startup founders, investors, and industry experts to gather feedback on their experiences with business model development and the BMC framework. Data analysis techniques such as thematic analysis and regression analysis will be used to identify patterns, trends, and correlations in the data. The findings of this study are expected to shed light on the specific needs and challenges faced by startups in developing business models. By identifying areas where startups struggle the most and where the BMC framework falls short, the project aims to inform the design and development of a more tailored and effective tool for startups. In conclusion, the project "Development of a Business Model Canvas Tool for Startups" seeks to contribute to the field of entrepreneurship by providing startups with a practical and innovative tool to support their business model development efforts. By leveraging technology and insights from both academia and industry, the project aims to empower startups to create sustainable and scalable business models that drive growth and success.