This study presents a process model investigating the divergence in long-term growth trajectories between growth-oriented female and male-led ventures. Drawing from role congruity theory and social cognitive theory, we propose that female-led startups encounter biased expectations and evaluations from resource providers due to perceived incongruity, influencing a shift towards a defensive growth strategy. This strategic shift negatively impacts the growth of female-led ventures over time, contrasting with unaffected male-led firms. Utilizing firm-level accelerator data, our findings support the proposed growth discrepancy model, contributing to the literature on growth and growth divergence.
