Takers and givers: Exploring the drivers of peer support in intra-incubator networks

• Entrepreneurs act as both givers and takers in incubator peer networks. • Founder, venture, and market factors shape giver–taker patterns. • Younger ventures and firms in dynamic markets gain most from peer ties. • Incubation tenure and presence increase centrality in peer support networks. • Incubators should balance individual benefits with collective peer value.