Internationalization is recognized as a key strategic entrepreneurial action. This paper contributes to our understanding of international venturing by examining the speed with which firms conduct their first cross-border acquisition (CBA). Our findings encompassing emerging economy firms (27,058 Indian firms over 21 years from 1991 to 2011) suggest that younger firms are more likely to pursue aggressive internationalization through CBAs. Furthermore, we find support for the moderating impact of industry characteristics and business group affiliation on the relationship between firm age and the speed to internationalize through CBAs.