investigating the factors affecting the growth and development of iranian sport startups in the post-corona era

Purpose: the startups are usually based on risky ideas whose business model is not clear and their target market is also assumed. startups play an important role in creating new jobs, innovation, flexibility, and economic growth. therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the growth and development of iran sport startups in the post-corona era. method: this study was qualitative research based on thematic analysis. the study is exploratory research and is considered qualitative. the research data were collected through purposeful sampling and based on deep semi-structured interviews with experts in this field. the interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. in order to analyze the conducted interviews, they were reviewed one by one and coded. acceptability and transferability were used for the validity of the research. the test-retest reliability method was used to measure reliability in this research. results: the results of the coding of the interviews showed that the factors affecting the growth and development of iranian sport startups in the post-corona era include five components: efficient human resources, facilitating the conditions for the development of startups, new and updated technologies, financial funding, and government support. conclusion: we can witness the development of the sport industry if special attention is paid to the factors influencing the development of sports startups in the country in the post-corona era and proper planning is done. the findings will help entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the sport startup ecosystem.