Title: Reciprocal crowdfunding as means to enable student and graduate entrepreneurship in Africa - a case study of Rwanda

Authors: Adrian Elkuch; Claudia Brunner; Christian Marxt

Addresses: ETH Zürich, Department for Management, Technology and Economics, Kreuzplatz 5, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland ' Chair of Technology and Entrepreneurship, Institute for Entrepreneurship, University of Liechtenstein, Fuerst-Franz-Josef-Strasse, 9490 Vaduz, Principality of Liechtenstein ' Chair of Technology and Entrepreneurship, Institute for Entrepreneurship, University of Liechtenstein, Fuerst-Franz-Josef-Strasse, 9490 Vaduz, Principality of Liechtenstein; ETH Zürich, Department for Management, Technology and Economics, Kreuzplatz 5, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland

Abstract: Research on entrepreneurship in Africa is mostly concerned with entrepreneurs, firms and the environment. Student entrepreneurship however is neglected, albeit young populations and high economic potential. This study analyses obstacles and support for student and graduate entrepreneurship in a field study approach in Rwanda with a series of qualitative interviews as well as a quantitative survey. Lacking access to financial capital is identified as main problem and a reciprocal crowdfunding model is developed to mitigate it. The concept of crowdfunding is detached from the online world, supplemented with reciprocity and thereby becomes a valid option for financing student entrepreneurship in Africa.

Keywords: reciprocal crowdfunding; student entrepreneurship; graduate entrepreneurship; Rwanda; Africa; financial capital; entrepreneurial funding.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2013.055489

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2013 Vol.19 No.4, pp.498 - 516

Published online: 30 Sep 2013 *

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