Entrepreneur vs. Intrapreneur — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
An Entrepreneur initiates and operates their own business ventures, while an Intrapreneur innovates and drives change within an existing company.
Difference Between Entrepreneur and Intrapreneur
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Entrepreneur and Intrapreneur are terms that both denote initiative, innovation, and the drive to achieve something new. However, their primary distinction lies in their realms of operation. An Entrepreneur, often seen as a trailblazer, sets out to create and manage their own enterprise. They take on substantial risks, both financial and personal, to establish and grow a business from the ground up. Conversely, an Intrapreneur is a maverick within the confines of an existing company. They are corporate innovators who champion new ideas and push for change from within, but they usually don't bear the financial risks associated with starting a new venture.
When discussing the mindset of an Entrepreneur, it's evident that they possess a strong vision for something novel. They see gaps in the market or opportunities for innovation and take action to capitalize on them. An Intrapreneur, while having a similar visionary mindset, applies this within the structure of an existing organization. They identify areas of improvement, propose novel solutions, and work to implement these changes, often requiring a knack for navigating corporate dynamics.
Comparison Chart
Realm of Operation
Operates own business ventures.
Operates within an existing company.
Financial Risk
Bears the financial risk of the venture.
Typically doesn't bear direct financial risks.
Challenges
Establishing a business, securing funding.
Navigating corporate dynamics, internal resistance.
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Primary Focus
Creating and growing a new business.
Innovating and driving change within a company.
Independence
Works independently outside established structures.
Works within the framework of an existing company.
Compare with Definitions
Entrepreneur
A visionary initiating business ventures.
As an Entrepreneur, she transformed her passion into a thriving enterprise.
Intrapreneur
A corporate innovator driving internal change.
Thanks to the Intrapreneur, the company adopted cutting-edge technologies.
Entrepreneur
A person who establishes and operates a new business.
The Entrepreneur launched a revolutionary tech startup.
Intrapreneur
An individual promoting new ideas within an organization.
The Intrapreneur tirelessly championed the adoption of sustainable practices.
Entrepreneur
Someone who identifies market gaps and seeks to fill them.
The Entrepreneur saw a need for eco-friendly packaging and created a solution.
Intrapreneur
An employee who innovates within a company.
The Intrapreneur's proposal for a new product line was well-received.
Entrepreneur
A trailblazer in creating and managing businesses.
The Entrepreneur's success story inspired many to follow their dreams.
Intrapreneur
An internal agent of transformation in a company.
The firm's growth was attributed to several Intrapreneurs who pushed boundaries.
Entrepreneur
An individual who takes on financial risks to pursue opportunities.
The young Entrepreneur invested heavily in his innovative idea.
Intrapreneur
Someone who navigates corporate dynamics to implement change.
Being an Intrapreneur, he understood the nuances of getting approvals.
Entrepreneur
A person who organizes, operates, and assumes the risk for a business venture.
Intrapreneur
A person within a large corporation who takes direct responsibility for turning an idea into a profitable finished product through assertive risk taking and innovation.
Entrepreneur
A person who organizes and operates a business venture and assumes much of the associated risk.
Intrapreneur
A person employed to work independently within a company in order to introduce innovation and to revitalize and diversify its business.
Entrepreneur
A person who organizes a risky activity of any kind and acts substantially in the manner of a business entrepreneur.
Entrepreneur
A person who strives for success and takes on risk by starting their own venture, service, etc.
Entrepreneur
One who takes the initiative to create a product or establish a business for profit; generally, whoever undertakes on his own account an enterprise in which others are employed and risks are taken.
Entrepreneur
Someone who organizes a business venture and assumes the risk for it
Common Curiosities
Is an Entrepreneur the same as an Intrapreneur?
No, an Entrepreneur starts their own business, while an Intrapreneur innovates within an existing company.
Who bears more financial risk, an Entrepreneur or an Intrapreneur?
Typically, the Entrepreneur bears more financial risk as they invest in starting their own venture.
What's a key trait both Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs share?
Both possess a strong drive for innovation and change.
Do Intrapreneurs need to invest their own money?
Typically, no. Intrapreneurs innovate within a company, which usually funds the projects.
How do Intrapreneurs push their ideas in companies?
They navigate corporate dynamics, build internal support, and showcase the potential benefits.
Why are Intrapreneurs important for companies?
They drive internal innovation, keeping companies competitive and forward-thinking.
Are all business owners Entrepreneurs?
Not necessarily. Entrepreneurs are characterized by innovation and risk-taking, while not all business owners fit this mold.
Can an Intrapreneur become an Entrepreneur?
Yes, many Intrapreneurs, after gaining experience, venture out to start their own businesses.
Can an Entrepreneur also be an Intrapreneur?
Yes, an Entrepreneur who joins a company can act as an Intrapreneur, driving internal innovation.
Which role has more job security, Entrepreneur or Intrapreneur?
Typically, Intrapreneurs, as they work within established companies, whereas Entrepreneurs face the volatile nature of starting a business.
What skills are essential for an Intrapreneur?
Apart from innovation, skills like persuasion, understanding corporate dynamics, and team collaboration are vital.
How can companies encourage Intrapreneurship?
By fostering a culture of innovation, providing resources, and creating platforms for idea-sharing.
Is Intrapreneurship a new concept?
While the term may be relatively newer, the concept of internal innovation has existed as long as businesses have.
What challenges do Entrepreneurs commonly face?
Entrepreneurs often grapple with funding, market competition, and business establishment.
How does an Entrepreneur identify opportunities?
They often spot market gaps, trends, and areas ripe for innovation or disruption.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
