[usr1106]

I don't think that is really true. Most start-ups fail, whether they build a bleeding edge product or try to compete on an existing market with smaller enhancements. After they fail if it's easy to pick the reason.

Very few start-ups succeed whatever they do. Skype was pretty bleeding edge at the time, the internet speeds wheren't really there at the time. Spotify or Tesla didn't enter a market with real competitors. Before they succeed, it's difficult to say whether they took the correct risk.

Someone has to be the first, chances are just not very good it will be your company.

[holler]

Is that true with Spotify? Didn’t Pandora already exist and have considerable traction? rdio and a few others come to mind as well

[usr1106]

I had never even heard of Pandora. A quick check seems to suggest that they are America-only, Alexa rank 800, while Spotify is international, rank about 80. As a European I hope I am excused.

Yes, Pandora seems to be older. How intense the competition was when it started I have no clue. I'd say it was bleeding edge in either case, in those days broadband internet was not so widespread, not to mention mobile data.