Entrepreneur vs. Intrapreneur: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 11, 2023
Entrepreneurs establish and run their own businesses, while intrapreneurs innovate within existing companies.
Key Differences
Entrepreneurs are individuals who conceive, establish, and manage their own business, often taking financial risks to do so. In contrast, intrapreneurs are employees within an existing company who employ entrepreneurial skills, such as innovation and risk-taking, without the outer liability and financial risk.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Entrepreneurs aim to create a new business entity and may focus on bringing novel products or services to market. On the other hand, intrapreneurs often work on projects, innovations, or expansions within the confines of their current employment, contributing towards the company's innovation and development.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
An entrepreneur usually puts their own capital at risk to start a business, while an intrapreneur operates within the financial framework of their employing organization.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Both entrepreneur and intrapreneur require a skill set that includes innovation, leadership, and risk management, but the entrepreneur does so independently, and the intrapreneur does so within an organizational structure. While entrepreneurs shape their own venture's direction and strategy, intrapreneurs must align their innovations with their employer's goals and objectives.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Role
Starts and runs own businesses.
Innovates within an existing company.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
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Financial Risk
Bears personal financial risk.
Generally doesn’t bear direct financial risk.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Operational Scope
Oversees entire business operations.
Focuses on specific organizational projects.
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Oct 11, 2023
Resource Allocation
Secures and allocates own resources.
Utilizes the company's resources.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Objective
To establish and grow their own business.
To foster innovation within the company.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Entrepreneur and Intrapreneur Definitions
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs often bear financial risks to achieve profits.
The entrepreneur staked his own capital to fund the venture.
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Oct 11, 2023
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Intrapreneur
Intrapreneurs operate without the direct risk of financial loss.
The intrapreneur was able to experiment with ideas using company resources.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur creates, develops, and implements business ideas.
The entrepreneur transformed his idea into a successful app.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Intrapreneur
Intrapreneurs implement entrepreneurial skills within their job role.
As an intrapreneur, she pitched and implemented a new market strategy.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs may bring innovative products or services to market.
The entrepreneur launched a unique product that became popular.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Intrapreneur
Intrapreneurship involves employing entrepreneurial skills while mitigating personal risks.
The intrapreneur initiated a successful project with the safety of a regular paycheck.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
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Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurship can involve aspects like managing, organizing, and risk-taking.
The entrepreneur managed all aspects of his business meticulously.
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Oct 11, 2023
Intrapreneur
An intrapreneur innovates within an existing company.
The intrapreneur developed a new product line for the company.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is someone who starts their own business.
The entrepreneur invested her savings into the startup.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Intrapreneur
An intrapreneur focuses on internal organizational innovation.
The intrapreneur improved the company's processes, enhancing profitability.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Entrepreneur
A person who organizes, operates, and assumes the risk for a business venture.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 22, 2017
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.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 22, 2017
Entrepreneur
A person who organizes and operates a business venture and assumes much of the associated risk.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 22, 2017
Intrapreneur
A person employed to work independently within a company in order to introduce innovation and to revitalize and diversify its business.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 22, 2017
Entrepreneur
A person who organizes a risky activity of any kind and acts substantially in the manner of a business entrepreneur.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 22, 2017
Entrepreneur
A person who strives for success and takes on risk by starting their own venture, service, etc.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 22, 2017
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.
Sumera Saeed
Jul 22, 2017
Entrepreneur
Someone who organizes a business venture and assumes the risk for it
Sumera Saeed
Jul 22, 2017
FAQs
Do entrepreneurs take financial risks?
Yes, entrepreneurs often take financial risks to start and run a business.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
What is an entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur is someone who starts and operates their own business.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Can intrapreneurs become entrepreneurs?
Yes, intrapreneurs can become entrepreneurs if they start their own business.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
How does an intrapreneur differ from an entrepreneur?
An intrapreneur innovates within an existing company, while an entrepreneur starts their own business.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Are intrapreneurs financially liable for failures?
Typically, no—intrapreneurs don’t bear direct financial risk as entrepreneurs do.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Is financial success guaranteed for entrepreneurs?
No, entrepreneurs face risks and their ventures might not always be financially successful.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Can intrapreneurs make executive decisions?
Intrapreneurs may or may not make executive decisions, depending on their role and company policy.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
What skills are vital for an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurs require skills like innovation, risk-management, leadership, and financial management.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Do entrepreneurs need a specific educational background?
No, entrepreneurs come from various educational backgrounds and industries.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Does an entrepreneur work within a company?
Typically, no—entrepreneurs create and run their own businesses.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Do intrapreneurs require entrepreneurial skills?
Yes, intrapreneurs use entrepreneurial skills like innovation and risk-taking within a company.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Can intrapreneurs affect a company’s success?
Yes, intrapreneurs can positively impact a company through internal innovations and improvements.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
What are challenges entrepreneurs might face?
Entrepreneurs might face challenges like funding, competition, and market conditions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
What drives intrapreneurial initiatives?
Intrapreneurial initiatives are often driven by the need for innovation and growth within a company.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Can entrepreneurship lead to job creation?
Yes, successful entrepreneurship can lead to job creation as the business grows.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
What is the main benefit of being an intrapreneur?
Intrapreneurs can innovate and implement ideas with the financial and structural support of a company.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
What motivates an entrepreneur?
Various factors, such as innovation, profit, and the desire to solve problems, motivate entrepreneurs.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
How can entrepreneurs fund their ventures?
Entrepreneurs can fund ventures through savings, loans, investors, or other financial means.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
What role do intrapreneurs play in a company?
Intrapreneurs often play a role in driving internal innovation and implementing new projects or strategies.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Are intrapreneurs bound by company policies?
Yes, intrapreneurs must adhere to the policies and guidelines of the company they work for.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
