[DrScientist]

Thanks - there is no doubt software startups, with typically limited capital requirements are easier than almost anything else.

> Products like that work if there's natural consumer appeal built into the product,

I see customers as a wider pool than end consumers - they can also include businesses - quite a few large businesses also have investment arms.

For example you mentioned Philips - they have one - https://www.philips.com/a-w/about/innovation/philips-venture...

I guess the worry for startup's there is if you too close then they might 'steal' - however big companies are typically quite keen on upholding IP laws - they use their venture arms to spread their bets - partial stakes ( and inside knowledge ) on a whole array of startups.

[tomhoward]

The worry is not so much that they’ll steal your IP (good legal protection can prevent that), but those kinds of corporate VC funds are generally looking to invest in things that fit in with their own corporate strategy and plan. The investment is a bit of a “try before you buy” before eventually acquiring the company and making the product part of their own offering.

That can be a good path if you’re making something that one of these companies would want to acquire and an acquisition by such a company is an appealing outcome for you.

But it’s not going to help you if you want to be an independent company and brand that can do things the way you want long term.