Matthew Rutherford

author of "Strategic Bootstrapping"

November 4, 2015

Dr. Rutherford is Associate Professor and Johnny Pope Chair in Entrepreneurship at Oklahoma State University. Previously, Dr. Rutherford was Associate Professor of Management at Virginia Commonwealth University where he oversaw the entrepreneurship program.

He received his PhD from Auburn University. He has published over 25 peer reviewed articles in top entrepreneurship journals, and is the author of the book: Strategic Bootstrapping. Additionally, he has presented over 70 manuscripts at international, national, and regional conferences.

Dr. Rutherford's experience is in new and small firm consulting and he has served as Director of a Small Business Development Center. He has provided consulting services to over 100 organizations of all sizes. His current research foci are new venture strategy, family business, and new venture finance.

"Strategic Bootstrapping" is about helping entrepreneurs sift through the 'noise' regarding bootstrapping a startup. The cold-hard facts on bootstrapping are presented. Practically speaking, most entrepreneurs should avoid bootstrapping, realistically, most entrepreneurs will need to engage in some form of bootstrapping. The argument then shifts to how should one bootstrap? In this era of lean start-ups, effectuation, and bricolage, bootstrapping is oft romanticized but seldom analyzed. This book is different from other bootstrapping books in two key ways. First, it draws on evidence from scientific study to offer best practices. Second, it utilizes this evidence to help entrepreneurs thrive – not just survive.

URL: https://library.okstate.edu/news/celebratingbooks/2016-honorees/matthew-rutherford

Last Updated: 12 January 2022