Drawing on status belief theory, this study investigates two interrelated aspects of gender in entrepreneurship: how gender-based perceptions influence the evaluation of entrepreneurial pitch videos and how Generation Z’s (Gen Z) experiences with gender stereotypes shape their willingness to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. This dual focus allows us to examine both the immediate impact of gender frames on pitch assessment and their broader influence on entrepreneurial career trajectories among the rising generation. As the world’s largest generational cohort, Gen Z has the potential to significantly shape the future of entrepreneurship through their distinct perspectives and beliefs. We collected reflections from 53 respondents residing in Finland. The respondents’ written reflections, analyzed using critical discourse analysis, revealed three key themes regarding Gen Z’s perspectives on gender stereotypes and entrepreneurship: gender shapes the pitch evaluations, the interplay between gender stereotypes and entrepreneurial career choices, and the intergenerational transmission of gender beliefs. This study provides insights into how Gen Z navigates and potentially challenges gender stereotypes in their entrepreneurial pursuits, offering guidance for fostering more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial environments.
