[Flemlord]

If you think their idea is better than yours, then maybe you could scrap your original startup idea and instead build their product. You would own the company/product and they would be your first client. They could prepay for the product which would cover your initial expenses, or even invest money in your startup if your R&D costs exceed their initial license fee or if they want the chance of a payoff if the idea sells well.

If their idea isn't better than yours and they're not willing to pay you, then why are you spending time on it.

[newstart]

Thanks Flemlord,

So they are using my standard product services already, but would like me to develop this for them as sort of a joint-venture since they trust my expertise in this area.

The idea isn't better or worse, it's related but it's custom. So I can't scrap my startup for this product - it's very much a unique design that only will work for them and their clients. No reselling opportunity but possible money while I build my business.

I'm considering working on it because during these lean months it might be nice to have a side gig that can turn into another revenue stream while I continue to build my primary business.