Exploring Determinants of Startup Sustainability: Insights from the Kerala IT Sector

This study explores the critical determinants of startup sustainability within the IT sector in Kerala, focusing on four key factors: resource availability, mentorship, policy support, and networking opportunities. The startup ecosystem in Kerala has shown significant potential, yet many startups struggle with long-term sustainability despite initial success. By examining these four determinants, the study aims to uncover how these factors influence the survival and growth of IT startups in the region. The research is based on a quantitative approach, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to 500 startup founders in Kerala. The data were analyzed using factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modelling (SEM). Results indicate that all four factors have a significant positive impact on startup sustainability, with policy support and mentorship showing the strongest correlations. The study highlights that access to resources, structured mentorship, favourable policies, and networking opportunities are critical for fostering the sustainability of startups. These findings provide actionable insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and ecosystem builders, offering recommendations to enhance the long-term viability of IT startups in Kerala, thus contributing to the region's economic growth and innovation.