What Are Intrapreneurs? History, Role, and Benefits for a Company

What Is an Intrapreneur?

An intrapreneur is an employee tasked with developing an innovative idea or project within a company. They have access to the resources and capabilities of an established company.

Key Takeaways

• An intrapreneur works inside a company to develop an innovative idea or project that will enhance the company’s future.
• The term "intrapreneur" is a portmanteau of "internal" and "entrepreneur." It was coined by Gifford Pinchot III and Elizabeth S. Pinchot in a 1978 white paper.
• The intrapreneur is given autonomy to work on a project that may have a considerable impact on the company.
• Over time, an intrapreneur may turn into an entrepreneur and start their own venture.
• Intrapreneurs are highly motivated individuals with specific skill sets, leadership abilities, and innovative vision.

Roles of Intrapreneurs

Intrapreneurs are employees assigned to work on a special idea or project, using the resources and capabilities of the company.

An intrapreneur seeks to improve an existing company rather than starting a new one.

Intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs have different objectives. An entrepreneur envisions creating a company from scratch, while an intrapreneur has a broader vision for an established company and may introduce radical changes.

History of Intrapreneurship

The term "intrapreneur" was coined by Gifford Pinchot III and Elizabeth S. Pinchot in a 1978 white paper. It gained traction in academic studies and was popularized further by Time magazine in 1985.

Benefits of Intrapreneurship

An intrapreneur explores policies, technologies, or applications that improve the performance of an existing company. They are given freedom and autonomy to analyze trends and propose ideas to stay ahead of competitors.

Intrapreneurs often become executive leaders and foster the growth of other intrapreneurs within the company.

Characteristics of an Intrapreneur

Intrapreneurs are highly motivated individuals with specific skill sets, leadership abilities, and innovative vision. They are willing to take risks and interpret trends to innovate or stay ahead of the competition.

Example of an Intrapreneur

Healey Cypher, eBay’s former chief of staff of global product management, identified a business opportunity and led the development of an interactive storefront for eBay retailers.

His success led to the creation of a new division and Cypher becoming eBay’s Head of Retail Innovation.

What Is the Difference Between an Entrepreneur and an Intrapreneur?

An entrepreneur creates a company from the ground up, while an intrapreneur develops ideas or projects within an established corporation.

Who Is Called an Intrapreneur?

Intrapreneurs are employees assigned to work on a special idea or project, with the freedom to develop it like an entrepreneur.

What Is the Role of an Intrapreneur?

An intrapreneur explores policies, technologies, or applications to improve a company’s performance.

What Is the Intrapreneurial Mindset?

An intrapreneur has a broader vision for an established company, with the ability to bring direct applicable skills and experience to the job.

How Do You Become an Intrapreneur?

Intrapreneurs are high-performing employees assigned to explore innovation, improve existing products, or stay ahead of the competition. They can also surface innovative ideas independently before introducing them to senior leadership.

The Bottom Line

Intrapreneurs have the autonomy to pursue innovative projects and the financial backing of an established company. Their innovation within corporations can be world-changing.