Date of Conferral

10-21-2025

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Irene Williams

Abstract

Some small financial technology, or fintech, startup leaders in Nairobi, Kenya, lack the technological and innovation strategies required to sustain operations beyond 5 years. High failure rates among fintech startups in the early stages of operation affect financial inclusion and economic development in the region. Grounded in resource-based view theory, this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore effective technological and innovation strategies fintech startup leaders in Nairobi use to sustain operations beyond 5 years. Data was collected through semistructured interviews with eight fintech startup leaders from different firms. Thematic analysis revealed seven major themes: (a) leveraging technological infrastructure, (b) innovating products and processes, (c) adopting financial resource management, (d) developing human capital, (e) adaptive regulatory compliance, (f) strategic partnerships and networks, and (e) early challenge mitigation. The findings confirm and extend existing literature demonstrating the centrality of technological adaptability, partnerships, and regulatory integration in emerging markets. A key recommendation is that fintech leaders should embed compliance in product design and invest in scalable digital infrastructures to strengthen sustainability. Implications for positive social change include the potential for fintech leaders, policymakers, and investors to expand financial inclusion for underserved populations, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Nairobi and beyond

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