In this study, we investigate the effects of industry and startup experiences on income expectations and persistence of nascent entrepreneurs. We posit that experience can have two interrelated effects: (1) it provides skills that may affect persistence, but also (2) affects performance expectations. We develop and test hypotheses about the impact of industry and startup experience on both expectations and persistence. Data of 808 nascent entrepreneurs from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics show that industry experience increases income expectations and persistence alike, whereas startup experience increases expectations without increasing persistence. We discuss implications for scholarship and practice.
