Network embeddedness is a crucial factor in the international growth of family businesses. However, the blurred boundaries between family and business, along with the pursuit of socioemotional goals, make it deeply intertwined with both business growth and family dynamics. Using a case study of a fifth-generation Italian family firm in the wine industry, this study examines the co-evolution of network embeddedness, family dynamics, and international growth. Findings reveal that network embeddedness facilitates internationalization but also impacts family relationships and socioemotional goals. Strong embeddedness often leads to non-transferable personal ties, resulting in market overlap among family managers. This underscores the need for new generations to build their own networks to gain legitimacy within the family. While network embeddedness supports initial international expansion, over-embeddedness and the non-transferability of networks can hinder professionalization and restrict further growth. Moreover, it influences family dynamics, creating tensions and role overlaps that depend on strong familial harmony and the balancing role of earlier generations. This study bridges the literature on network embeddedness and internationalization in family businesses, offering insights into their dynamic interplay over time.
