In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the zebras are teal tonight: investigating the organizational forms of Generation Z-driven Italian start-ups

Purpose In light of the new way interpreting work spearheaded by Generation Z, objectives this study are to investigate (1) whether young entrepreneurs identify their start-ups with “zebras” – that is, as a concrete response evanescence and fantasy “unicorns” based on simultaneous pursuit profit social value, mutualism resilience (2) they adopt “teal” organizational configuration one characterized evolutionary purpose, self-management wholeness. Design/methodology/approach Through qualitative approach 41 interviews, focuses start-uppers companies particularly innovative promising in Italian context, selected Forbes magazine its ranking brightest entrepreneurs, leaders stars under 30. Findings The results suggest recognize importance common themes zebra movement therefore startups zebras. More specifically, Z entrepreneurs: pursue dual (economic social) mutualistic (3) build organizations capital efficiency. addition, interviews show taken follows paradigm teal organizations, terms distributed leadership decision-making power, employee wholeness empowerment. Originality/value This is first analyze trends animal entrepreneurial “species” led organized basis paradigm.