How to build a successful venture studio: Entrepreneur vs. intrapreneur

In the context of startups, corporate innovation, and venture capital, terms such as entrepreneur and intrapreneur frequently appear. Having a clear understanding of the difference between an entrepreneur and an intrapreneur is vital for anyone running a venture studio. 

In short, an entrepreneur is an individual who launches and operates their own business in order to innovate and bring new ideas to the market, often motivated by a desire for independence and solving an identified problem, potentially leading to financial gain. An intraprenuer, on the other hand, is someone who works within an established company and acts like an entrepreneur by identifying new opportunities to drive growth and change within the company. Sometimes intraprenuers are referred to as corporate entrepreneurs. 

The difference between an entrepreneur and an intraprenuer

While being an entrepreneur and intrapreneur both involve having a great deal of determination and being innovative, they differ in terms of ownership, decision-making, and the potential rewards. 

One key difference between entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs is the level of risk involved. While entrepreneurs bear the risk of starting and running their own business, intrapreneurs typically have the support and resources of their organization to fall back on. This makes the path of an intrapreneur less risky, as they have the backing of a larger entity to help them weather any challenges that may arise.

Another difference is the level of control that each individual has. As the owner of their own business, an entrepreneur has control over every aspect of their company. An intrapreneur, on the other hand, may have to work within the confines of their organization’s policies and procedures, and may not have the same level of autonomy as an entrepreneur.

Finally, the rewards for being an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur can vary significantly. As an entrepreneur, you have the potential to earn a larger financial reward if your business is successful. An intrapreneur may receive a salary and bonuses for their work, but they do not necessarily have the same level of financial upside. However, it is possible for the corporation to create equity incentives to motivate the intraprenuers in the same way as an independent entrepreneur. 

In conclusion, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs are both driven individuals who are passionate about creating change and driving growth. Different individuals may find one of the two paths more appropriate based on their values and desires.