First there's the million-dollar idea, then the courage to pursue the idea, then the capital to produce and market it. But what are the backgrounds of these brazen businessmen, and what happens after entrepreneurs have taken these first steps to develop their start up companies

The prominent computer technology company Microsoft unveiled a survey last week which revealed that about 70 percent of entrepreneurs who have started their own company during the recession left their job to pursue their new business venture.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the ratio of entrepreneurs with a college or online degree is about 20 percent higher than the proportion among the entire population of employed Americans.

Additionally, about one-third of the survey's respondents said that have relied on technology to expand and develop their fledgling companies.

"Technology is critical to a business owner's success. It helps increase cost savings, supports innovation and, ultimately, contributes to growth," said Christoph Wilfert, the general manager of small- and medium-sized business (SMB) solutions for Microsoft.

He added, "Many new technologies promise great value," of which many SBM's "still have limited awareness."

Roughly one-third of new entrepreneurs also stated that marketing, advertising and public relations as well as capital funding were top considerations for company growth.