Gazelle companies: Definition and characterization

Gazelles firms, those that grow at higher rates than their peers, are the most dynamic business population of the economy. Their effects, for example, longterm job creation and increased competitiveness are significant. There are currently four academic debates: benefits, characteristics, methodological approach and temporality. Our goal is to contribute to the second, through understanding of the state of the art. In particular, we analyze how to define them in terms of the characteristics associated with founders, activities, resources and strategies as well as their relationship to the environment. We also provide some recommendations for study and encouragement for the creation of such firms.