This study addresses how different institutional logics affect export-oriented entrepreneurship. We first argue that an unfavorable home country institutional framework in the form of state fragility will negatively influence the early-stage entrepreneurs’ export activities. We subsequently suggest that the presence of established exporters in the local market will positively moderate such negative relationship. Additionally, we contend that this moderating effect will be more pronounced when there is a high level of generalized trust within the country. We test our hypotheses on a multisource dataset that combines individual- and country-level observations. Our multilevel analysis covers 54 countries over the period 2005-2020. The results provide support for our hypothesized direct and moderating effects. Overall, the study provides novel insights into how institutional factors and trust dynamics shape export-oriented entrepreneurial activity.
