Abstract
IT startups strive to innovate and accelerate economic growth, and understanding what affects their scalability is more important than ever. This study examines both the external dynamics of the ecosystem and the internal organizational structures that influence a startup’s success. A comparison of global centers such as Silicon Valley, London, and Singapore shows the importance of government support, access to finance, and a culture of innovation. A modified PESTLE model is proposed to evaluate internal processes. In the model external categories are replaced by indicators of operational efficiency, financial stability, team competencies, technological infrastructure, leadership and employee well-being. The data was collected through an online survey of 32 IT startups associated with Astana Hub and similar programs in Kazakhstan. The participants rated 18 internal aspects on a 5-point Likert scale. The results show high transparency in management decisions and team adaptability. At the same time, limitations in process automation, resource allocation and staff development were identified. The modified PESTLE model enables assessing startups’ internal maturity and identifying factors constraining scaling. The findings are applicable to the development of startup support programs and internal development strategies. Keywords: IT startups, startup ecosystems, entrepreneurial ecosystem, innovation, ecosystem development.