entreprendre

Entreprendre is a French verb meaning to undertake, to start or carry out a task, project, or venture. In business discourse it is closely associated with entrepreneurship—the process of creating new value by identifying opportunities, mobilizing resources, and assuming risk to establish or grow a venture.

Origins and etymology: the verb comes from Old French entreprendre, from entre “between” or “inside” plus prendre “to take.” The sense evolved from meaning to undertake something to the broader sense of initiating an enterprise.

In economic and social contexts, entrepreneuriat (entrepreneurship) refers to a practice and discipline that centers on opportunity recognition, innovation, risk management, and organizational activity. Founders and intrapreneurs are commonly distinguished by whether they start new firms or drive ventures within existing organizations.

Core elements include opportunity identification, value creation, resource mobilization, leadership, and tolerance for ambiguity. Entrepreneurs often combine creative thinking with strategic planning, securing capital, assembling teams, and navigating markets.

Impact and examples: entrepreneurship drives job creation, productivity, and technological progress, but it also involves high failure risk and uneven outcomes. Public policy and education programs in many Francophone countries aim to foster entrepreneurship through funding, incubators, and training.

Education and training: universities and business schools offer courses and programs in entrepreneurship; practical experience is gained through startups, accelerators, and business-plan competitions.

See also: entrepreneurship; intrapreneurship; small and medium-sized enterprises.