Published Paper Details:

This study investigates the factors contributing to stress among startup entrepreneurs in Rajasthan, with an emphasis on organizational stage, work-life balance, support systems, and funding status. Utilizing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were collected from 120 startup founders across major cities in the region. The study employed statistical techniques including ANOVA, correlation, t-tests, and multiple regression to test five hypotheses. The results revealed that perceived stress levels significantly differ across startup stages, with early-growth entrepreneurs experiencing the highest stress. A moderate negative correlation was found between work-life balance and stress levels, while strong family and peer support emerged as significant buffers against stress. Further, entrepreneurs operating bootstrapped ventures reported higher stress than their funded counterparts. Regression analysis identified team size, startup stage, and work-life balance as significant predictors of entrepreneurial stress, explaining 33.9% of the variance. The findings highlight the psychological pressures faced by startup founders and underline the need for support mechanisms at both personal and institutional levels. The study offers actionable implications for entrepreneurs, incubators, policymakers, and mental health professionals working within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.