LAUSR

This research aims to identify the factors that characterise the evolutionary stages of the development cycle of information and communication technology (ICT) companies, based on Brazilian evidence. A data collect was done and the analysis shows the factors related to the companies’ success. In addition, the results show factors related to the evolutionary stages of the ICT companies and demonstrate the differences in the characteristics of each stage of the company: nascent, in consolidation and mature. The results of this research provide information to entrepreneurs to improve the performance of their enterprises and, consequently, contribute to the development of the ICT sector in Brazil and other countries with similar characteristics. Furthermore, based on the results found in the different characteristics of companies at each evolutionary stage, this research provides information to policy-makers to develop really effective mechanisms to contribute to the technology sector and, subsequently, to a better economic and social development of their countries.